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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 Such a response is contrary to my intent of deflecting attention away from the subject. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026 That runs contrary to the Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s (GASB) view that government’s purpose is to provide services and account for public resources, not generate profit. — Sheila Weinberg, Baltimore Sun, 6 Sep. 2026 My guess is that the anchor-outs, or at least some of them, see real estate agents’ commodification of the land as a betrayal of the values of California’s earlier inhabitants and contrary to their whole ethos. — Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026 Prosecutors have argued that the Clancy case is not a referendum on maternal mental health, contrary to how it's been seen by some members of the public. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrary to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary to
  1. against
  2. athwart
Preposition
  • In February, the village filed suit against Fifth Third Bank seeking $2 million that officials allege the institution improperly paid out in fraudulent checks signed by Henyard.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The players in the Port Charlotte group could also be used to play against the Rays in scrimmage-type games.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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