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
On the contrary, their ability to stay present in every situation, along with their innate sense of self-worth, draws others in like a moth to a flame.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
On the contrary, assaults on staff and inmates climbed to their highest last year.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 4 Nov. 2025
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011) Sailor Moon this is not, despite any indications to the contrary.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Despite the logic gleaned from the accounting books arguing to the contrary, spending is showing no signs of stopping.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the contrary
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
On the contrary, assaults on staff and inmates climbed to their highest last year.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 4 Nov. 2025
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011) Sailor Moon this is not, despite any indications to the contrary.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Despite the logic gleaned from the accounting books arguing to the contrary, spending is showing no signs of stopping.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
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 12 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share