Synonyms of contradictory

contradictory

adjective

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē 

as in opposite

being as different as possible

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

LLMs predict plausible answers, and when the signal about your product is weak, outdated or contradictory, the model fills the gap, sometimes incorrectly. — Lauren Livak Gilbert, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Heartthrob, fashion model, trendsetter and pin-up, Best was conflicted and contradictory, evocative and elegant. — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

While nuance and 21st century thinking are about as complementary as the ingredients in a serving of lobster ice cream, two seemingly contradictory statements can still be true at the same exact time. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026

But this week, UFT President Michael Mulgrew threatened to yank his support, critiquing not the curriculum mandates themselves, but contradictory supplements and paperwork. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026