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

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.
Recent Examples of contradictory The heart of the film is Hedda’s contradictory passions—for money, for status, and, especially, for and against Eileen. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025 His work at Bottega was characterized by a sophisticated understanding of craft and its capacity to hold apparently contradictory ideas in surprisingly human wholes. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025 That was followed shortly by the BMW X6, which represented itself as the first four-door coupe SUV — an idea as contradictory as non-alcoholic vodka. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025 While a green light from the 3-point line and making the extra pass might seem like contradictory ideas, Green said this was the obvious basketball play. Eric Nehm, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contradictory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradictory
Adjective
  • The Biden Administration's contrary position depended on the obvious fallacy that providing testosterone to treat a boy's endocrine disorder is the 'same treatment' as using the drug to disrupt the normal physical development of an adolescent girl suffering from psychological distress.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Franco and Colell are known for their dramas, plumbing complex, contrary intimacy.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While black tea and spices in chai tea can help control blood sugar, the high sugar content in many popular presentations usually has the opposite effect.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Yet the photographs themselves—for instance those of resistance leaders such as Sitting Bull—have an opposite effect.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The poll shows Earle-Sears with a 43 percent favorable rating versus a 46 percent unfavorable mark, while Spanberger has a 47 percent favorable rating versus a 44 percent unfavorable score.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Despite the unfavorable margins, sustained growth on Amazon is better than folding altogether.
    Mara Weinraub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During the British royal couple’s visit to Vatican City, Queen Camilla wore a second look antithetical to her attire while meeting Pope Leo XIV.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • And asking to be paid for that is antithetical to the privilege of playing for your country.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contradictory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradictory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradictory

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