contrary to

preposition

Definition of contrary tonext
as in against

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 to During this time, from 1978 to 1982, Willis was married to Phylicia Rashad — contrary to the group’s gay image. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 July 2026 In addition, contrary to predictions of an AI job apocalypse, AI is boosting employment levels, the PwC study finds. — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 And their presence in this nation is not contrary to the interests of the United States. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026 But contrary to the TikTok hype, hypochlorous acid is not a cure-all. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrary to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary to
  1. against
  2. athwart
Preposition
  • Four years later in the World Cup quarterfinal against England, Diego Maradona scored two of the most famous goals in the history of the sport.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Jude Bellingham's two goals secured England's 2-1 extra-time World Cup quarterfinal win against Norway, sending them to the semi-finals.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Definition of against
Preposition
  • An obstructionist Supreme Court, however, stood athwart the New Deal’s path.
    — John Fabian Witt, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2022
  • One of the world’s largest container ships was wedged athwart the Suez Canal on March 23rd, blown off course by high winds.
    — The Economist, The Economist, 27 Mar. 2021
Definition of athwart

Browse Nearby Words

contrary
contrary to
contrast
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contrary to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrary%20to. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All