contrary to

preposition

Definition of contrary tonext
as in against

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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 And contrary to popular belief, not all of last year’s big premieres fell flat at the Lido. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 Such plans are contrary to Indonesia’s promises to cut its use of coal, the most heavily polluting major fossil fuel and a significant source of planet-warming emissions. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Talwani again concluded that USPS likely lacked the authority to issue the rule and that the regulation was likely unconstitutional and contrary to law. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2026 Perhaps most famously, Robert Metcalfe, working at Xerox PARC in 1973, roughed out some early designs for what would become Ethernet, though contrary to popular belief, no napkin was involved. — Harry Goldstein, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrary to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary to
  1. against
  2. athwart
Preposition
  • The conference changed its timekeeping policy in 2002 after a controversial last-second spike for Michigan State against Michigan the previous year.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Contrary to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrary%20to. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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