contrary to

preposition

: in conflict with : despite

Contrary to orders, he set out alone.

Examples of contrary to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The first hull in Azimut’s Grande 44M range is, contrary to what the name suggests, actually not too shabby. — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026

And on Friday, in the first of these cases to make its way through the courts, the declaration was judged to be contrary to the statute. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

That’s quite contrary to other luxury spaces across the globe that continue to expand and overdevelop rapidly. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

The directive was contrary to previous court rulings that provided immigration judges with discretion to decide motions to change venue, Dillon's attorneys said in the complaint. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contrary to

• hullabaloo
• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup