on the contrary

phrase

Synonyms of on the contrarynext
: just the opposite
The test will not be easy; on the contrary, it will be extremely difficult.

Examples of on the contrary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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England, on the contrary, has not been to a World Cup final since its sole win in 1966, while twice finishing as runner-up at the Euros. Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 13 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“On the contrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20contrary. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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