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 Making unilateral decisions contrary to constitutional law and the will of Congress is king-like behavior. — Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Religion and race Surveys and research also show clear political trends around race, contrary to long-standing beliefs among many Brazilians that race does not matter in their society. — John Thomas Iii, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026 The Miller approach first captured my attention when, in January of 2021, his model posited that, contrary to the polling, Democrats would win both of the two Senate races in Georgia. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 In fact, research generally suggests that dinner shouldn’t be your largest meal of the day, contrary to the American standard. — Jamie Ducharme, HEALTH, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrary to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary to
  1. against
  2. athwart
Preposition
  • The compact pouch is designed to hold small essentials against your body, and its soft, breathable, skin-friendly fabric is a thoughtful detail for warmer destinations where extra layers aren’t practical.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Whether its underlying assumptions hold up against other observations, including measurements of cosmic expansion and the cosmic microwave background, remains an open question.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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