contrary 1 of 2

1
2
3

contrary

2 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective contrary differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contrary are antithetical, contradictory, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

When is it sensible to use antithetical instead of contrary?

While in some cases nearly identical to contrary, antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

In what contexts can contradictory take the place of contrary?

While the synonyms contradictory and contrary are close in meaning, 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 opposite be used instead of contrary?

In some situations, the words opposite and contrary are roughly equivalent. 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 contrary
Adjective
Meanwhile, some students just aren’t accustomed to contrary or controversial ideas and believe that even hearing them is harmful. Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025 But Zelinka Parsons also sees a contrary problem for some people, especially those entering retirement with large nest eggs. Russ Wiles, USA Today, 7 Apr. 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 contrary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary
Adjective
  • These errant policies include the 340B drug discount program, which now has the contradictory impact of raising overall drug prices.
    Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Where exactly is the United States’ economy amid these contradictory signals?
    Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Dunk’s mischievous sense of humour was highlighted by poking fun at critics of Hurzeler while attending a Premier League darts event in Brighton in March.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • His voice babbles away throughout the record and his mischievous personality shines.
    Thomas Smith, Billboard, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Adams failed to outright ask the most important questions: Were Canadians ever willing to join the rebellious Thirteen Colonies?
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
  • Libra: Marge Simpson from The Simpsons Only a Libra mother could calmly and miraculously put up with the shenanigans that her three rebellious children cause.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • The two are arguably the two biggest stars in golf and are polar opposites in many ways.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Betting the farm is the opposite of smart portfolio management.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • They are seen flinging a pizza box into their bucolic yard, smearing their faces with paint, raising their middle fingers, and saying naughty words.
    Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article There’s nice Torrey Pines and naughty Torrey Pines.
    Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The president's remarks note a stark difference in recent comments he's made toward the rebel group.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
  • This week, rebel assassin Cinta Kaz (Varada Sethu) was accidentally shot by a Ghorman revolutionary during a routine attack on an Imperial transport ship.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Celtics never have a bad defender on the court.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • In Your Lawn Clover isn't a bad plant to have growing amongst the grass.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • The defiant message comes after weeks of intense news coverage and a Republican House committee investigation into Hope Florida and its nonprofit charity arm, the Hope Florida Foundation.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
  • Post match, the 17-year-old was in a typically defiant mood.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrary. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contrary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!