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 material should not be provided to any person in a jurisdiction where its provision or use would be contrary to local laws, rules, or regulations. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026

The Historical Society sent a letter to the Village Board and some village administrators, stating that after carefully reviewing the village’s Downtown Master Plan, the Historical Society has determined that the removal of the downtown triangle is contrary to that plan. —Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

Quentin Tarantino is alive and well, we’ve been told by sources close to the filmmaker, contrary to misinformation on X. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026

The best road racer in NASCAR history (contrary to what Jordan says) has won five road course races in a row! —Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 28 Feb. 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