the contrary
noun
: an opposite or different fact, event, or situation
He was sure his sister had made a mistake, but the contrary was true: she was right and he was wrong.
Examples of the contrary in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite Heat contention to the contrary, the NBA last-two-minute officiating report issued Sunday from Saturday night’s game cited as correct both a late five-second inbounding violation on the Heat and as correct the lack of a similar call against the Magic.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
To the contrary, it’s been in geopolitical retreat in the Middle East in recent years.
—Charles Walldorf, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
To the contrary, his administration has moved with all deliberate delay.
—Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026
All reports to the contrary are false.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the contrary
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Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
To the contrary, it’s been in geopolitical retreat in the Middle East in recent years.
—Charles Walldorf, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
To the contrary, his administration has moved with all deliberate delay.
—Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026
All reports to the contrary are false.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the contrary
Cite this Entry
“The contrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20contrary. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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