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 Seemingly contradictory things can be true at the same time. Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 13 June 2025 As with most things, men and women have received contradictory messaging about it. Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025 While official agency reports are often incomplete or internally contradictory, Grant Watch cross-references its data, flags discrepancies, and updates entries as new information becomes available. John Drake, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Such perspectives make Wax’s Izzy a multi-layered and often contradictory character: self-assured, yet also self-doubting; brazen, yet guilty; fearless, yet also fearful. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contradictory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradictory
Adjective
  • When was the last time a contrary viewpoint actually changed your team's direction?
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • In another case decided earlier this term, the Supreme Court found the FDA acted lawfully in rejecting two other vaping companies’ applications, reversing the 5th Circuit’s contrary decision.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Notably, the party opposite to whomever is currently in the White House has a history of winning the Virginia governor's mansion and the right to serve a single non-consecutive term.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • And the two former Chelsea colleagues, as managers of the London club’s men’s and women’s teams during the 2023-24 season, find themselves in opposite scenarios.
    Meg Linehan, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Macroeconomic Vulnerability Broadcom’s stock has exhibited lower resilience during unfavorable market conditions compared to the overall market.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The deal allegedly promised Netanyahu positive coverage in Mozes’ newspaper Yediot Ahronoth while the Israeli Prime Minister would consider legislation unfavorable to rival newspaper Israel Hayom.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Trump administration seems willing to meet the right people in tech and say the right things, but its policies are antithetical to a thriving ecosystem of innovation.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
  • This state of affairs, Brooks thinks, is antithetical to music’s purpose.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contradictory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradictory. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradictory

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