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contrary

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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

Examples of contrary in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
And only Trump has sought to do so in the face of contrary legislation. Scott R. Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 17 July 2020 In the 233 years since, no case has ever— not one single time — reached a contrary conclusion…. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2024
Noun
Despite rumors to the contrary, a source told People in November that the relationship between Valente and Bündchen is strictly platonic and professional. Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 18 Jan. 2023 Despite the pharmaceutical industry’s loud complaints to the contrary, the new law directing Medicare to negotiate drug prices may increase prices for some new drugs, congressional Medicare advisers said Friday. John Wilkerson, STAT, 13 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for contrary 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary
Adjective
  • The countries gathering for the BRICS summit, where Gavrilov is helping to chaperone delegates, share a similar mix of apparently contradictory views.
    Keir Simmons, NBC News, 22 Oct. 2024
  • On August 30, 2024, the Eleventh Circuit delivered its opinion in Schwarzbaum, reaching a contradictory decision.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Ferris Bueller is fun, mischievous, an expert on shortcuts.
    Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Think of eventual 2015 winner Nadiya Hussain’s use of bubblegum and cream-soda flavors to signal her playful personality after weeks of doing poorly on Technicals; instead of letting that anxiety overwhelm her, Nadiya reset her persona with those mischievous eclairs.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Tired of the toxic culture within the group, Veronica teams up with her rebellious new boyfriend, J.D. (played by Christian Slater), and things quickly spiral out of control as their plot to take down the Heathers turns deadly.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Her funny dynamics with her siblings were more than relatable with Justin (David Henrie) as the smart, trustworthy kind of uptight eldest sibling, Alex, as the middle child with a rebellious spirit, and Max (Jake T. Austin) as the funny and a bit dumb younger brother.
    Stephanie Andrade, StyleCaster, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Combat is the polar opposite of the famed Baldur’s Gate 3, which will be an unfortunate comparison point for Veilguard as no, of course the overall game is nowhere close to that good.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
  • On average, nations that transitioned from autocracy to democracy saw near-immediate improvements—within a decade, life expectancy increased by more than two years—and those which slid from democracy to autocracy experienced the opposite.
    Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • This devastating turns of events was into motion, oddly enough, when Nancy accidentally texted a naughty photo of herself to everyone in the 126.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024
  • And be sure to attend the Saint Nicholas Parade and Krampus Run in Igls — those on the nice list get a small gift, while those who have been naughty can expect a little fright.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This spike is attributed to the escalation of armed violence since 2021 resulting from the resurgence of M23 rebel armed group and the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF).
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Analysts say the situation remains fluid and while the rebel group is quickly moving through the town, capturing several battalions especially to the south of the city, fighting is ongoing.
    Helen Regan, CNN, 2 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • Power providers Constellation Energy and Vistra meanwhile saw their respective stock prices drop by more than 12% and about 3% — Constellation's worst day since it was spun out of Exelon in February 2022.
    Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Moreover, customers have long been frustrated by the process of finding mental health services, adding the pandemic only made the feelings worse.
    Steven Aquino, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Inside the swanky The Soho Hotel in central London in June, just weeks before suddenly shutting down the payments system, Raanan had struck a defiant tone.
    Iain Martin, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
  • Close’s Grandmother pees on a rock and arches her back, almost defiant in face of sunrise.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near contrary

Cite this Entry

“Contrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrary. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

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