1
as in rebellion
refusal to obey
cursed the contrariness of her beloved mutt when it refused to come back inside the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opposition
the quality or state of being as different as possible
a contrariness between his professed altruism and his blatant selfishness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in contradictory
being as different as possible
the other jurors seemed sure the defendant was guilty, but I came to the contrary conclusion
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2
as in mischievous
engaging in or marked by childish misbehavior
a contrary child who wouldn't behave
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3
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the contrary soldier is facing a court-martial for insubordination
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as in opposite
something that is as different as possible from something else
the admonition that we should not return hate with hate, but rather with its contrary—love
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contrariness
Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
One factor that does serve to lend a veneer of playful irony to the film’s contrary elements is Aaron Gilhuis’ original score.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 July 2025
Raja Shehadeh, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2023
And, it hadn’t been endorsed by big companies such as Pfizer, despite the company's claims to the contrary.
—Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 23 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for contrariness
Adjective
Gordon Pennycook: In general, people who believe conspiracies often have contrary beliefs.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
One factor that does serve to lend a veneer of playful irony to the film’s contrary elements is Aaron Gilhuis’ original score.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 July 2025
Noun
Soldiers, to the contrary, have regularly stood by as settlers engage in wanton violence against Palestinians.
—Raja Shehadeh, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2023
And, it hadn’t been endorsed by big companies such as Pfizer, despite the company's claims to the contrary.
—Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 23 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for contrariness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrariness
Adjective
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But the federal takeover in the nation's capital accompanies contradictory crime data.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
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Here are three key takeaways: Why migraines happen: There are two contradictory schools of thought, both of which can be traced back to the nineteenth century.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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With the help of Michał, a fellow school outcast, Hania encounters Sindri—a mischievous pixie living in the nearby forest—who vows to aid them.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
14 Aug. 2025
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Lacy maintains a mischievous relationship with social media.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The story follows Bárbara, rebellious and broke, who fakes her way into a convent for a private room and some peace—only to find herself on an unexpected spiritual journey.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
16 Aug. 2025
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The town’s rebellious spirit and dreamy beach backdrop attracted a who’s who in music, from Duke Ellington in the 1920s to Led Zeppelin, who skipped Woodstock in 1969 to play the Asbury Park Convention Hall.—
Jen Murphy,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Galaxy also are in the quarters in the opposite bracket, so a rematch for the LC championship is possible.—
Greg Cote
August 17,
Miami Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
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The Cherokee Nation has taken the opposite approach.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Tucked into a mansion-like building in Midtown, this Mediterranean-leaning lounge has been upgraded to offer a setting that feels like a naughty secret.—
Rafael Peña,
Miami Herald,
23 July 2025
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There are many more unbelievable and naughty moments to come in Stalter’s career, to be sure.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Originally, the many rebel groups fighting Assad’s forces included both secular and Islamic militias.—
Rami Zeedan,
The Conversation,
11 Aug. 2025
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After all, in Andor, a rebel alliance pushes back against an emperor.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Not bad for a company built on the back of a $40 plastic-cased watch!—
Oren Hartov,
Robb Report,
15 Aug. 2025
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Drinking rates fell across every demographic and young people were most likely to believe drinking is bad for your health.—
Martin K.N Siele,
semafor.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But New Delhi has been defiant, saying that Russian oil is necessary for the energy security of its 1.4 billion-strong population.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
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The character’s defiant self-possession would unnerve even a more contemporary patriarchy, and challenge family dynamics in any era.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrariness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrariness. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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