Synonyms of contradictory

contradictory

adjective

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē 

as in contrary

being as different as possible

contradictory predictions regarding stock prices that were of no help to investors at all

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contrary
• opposite
• unfavorable
• antithetical
• negative
• hostile
• diametrical
• polar
• adverse
• diametric
• divergent
• antipodal
• antagonistic
• antipodean
• counter
• unlike
• disparate
• dissimilar
• cross
• reverse
• alien
• inverse
• antipathetic
• converse
• obverse
• unalike

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• noncontradictory
• identical
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective contradictory differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contradictory are antithetical, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When can antithetical be used instead of contradictory?

The synonyms antithetical and contradictory are sometimes interchangeable, but antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When is it sensible to use contrary instead of contradictory?

While the synonyms contrary and contradictory are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

Where would opposite be a reasonable alternative to contradictory?

The meanings of opposite and contradictory largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contradictory

Although Krypto's big screen debut was a relatively recent development, the pup has a rich but very complex and often contradictory comic book history—and the way Superman deals with all that history speaks to one of the strongest aspects of the movie as a piece of superhero comic adaptation. —James Grebey, Time, 10 July 2025

The internet is the most extensive and up-to-date resource for reptile and amphibian care, but take caution, as there’s also a great deal of incorrect and contradictory information. —Samantha Winegarner, Mercury News, 8 July 2025

Officials in the group have given contradictory statements as to Hamas’ role in a post-war Gaza. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 July 2025

Such academic collaborations were not contradictory to the North Korean credo of Juche (self-reliance) but rather a means of furthering the resilience capacity of the country’s ecological system which inherently transcends borders. —Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025