diametric
adjective
di·a·met·ric
ˌdī-ə-ˈme-trik 
variants
or diametrical
1
mathematics
: of, relating to, or constituting a straight line segment passing through the center of a figure or body : located at the diameter (see diameter sense 1)
2
: completely opposed : being at opposite extremes
in diametric contradiction to his claims
two parties in diametric opposition on the issue
Examples of diametric in a Sentence
that husband and wife have seemingly diametric personalities, but somehow their marriage works
Recent Examples on the Web
Its diametrical opposite might be the epigraph, the upfront citation, not relegated to footnote or endnote and often in italics — a phenomenon no one could fail to observe.
—
Elisa Gabbert, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Since the advent of the Patrick Mahomes Era, the Chiefs are 15-3 in the postseason — a diametric contrast for a franchise that had won just one of its previous 12 playoff games and tormented its fan base into what might be called rational paranoia.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025
Since President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, American voters now face an unusual choice between two candidates who are almost diametric opposites – people who are different in nearly every way.
—George Petras, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024
The British Academy's judgements are sometimes in agreement with those of the American Academy, and occasionally in diametric opposition — which is precisely their prismatic value as an Oscars handicapping tool.
—Guy Martin, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024
In Duchenne, new data bring a familiar debate This week’s news that Sarepta Therapeutics’ gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy missed its main goal in a pivotal study has drawn diametric reactions.
—Damian Garde, STAT, 2 Nov. 2023
Ray’s other girlfriend, Felicia, responds to his sudden absence in diametric fashion, making for a staggeringly insightful and deeply poignant journey.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2023
But greater volume is diametric to exclusivity, and as the price points inevitably lowered, so did the level of prestige.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2023
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Elisa Gabbert, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Since the advent of the Patrick Mahomes Era, the Chiefs are 15-3 in the postseason — a diametric contrast for a franchise that had won just one of its previous 12 playoff games and tormented its fan base into what might be called rational paranoia.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025
Since President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, American voters now face an unusual choice between two candidates who are almost diametric opposites – people who are different in nearly every way.
—George Petras, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024
The British Academy's judgements are sometimes in agreement with those of the American Academy, and occasionally in diametric opposition — which is precisely their prismatic value as an Oscars handicapping tool.
—Guy Martin, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024
In Duchenne, new data bring a familiar debate This week’s news that Sarepta Therapeutics’ gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy missed its main goal in a pivotal study has drawn diametric reactions.
—Damian Garde, STAT, 2 Nov. 2023
Ray’s other girlfriend, Felicia, responds to his sudden absence in diametric fashion, making for a staggeringly insightful and deeply poignant journey.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2023
But greater volume is diametric to exclusivity, and as the price points inevitably lowered, so did the level of prestige.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Diametric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diametric. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diametric
adjective
di·a·met·ric
ˌdī-ə-ˈme-trik
variants
or diametrical
1
: of or relating to a diameter
2
: completely opposed or opposite
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