OPPOSITE Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'opposite' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of opposite are antithetical , contradictory , and contrary . While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict. // opposite views on foreign aid

Q: When is it sensible to use 'antithetical' instead of 'opposite'?

While the synonyms antithetical and opposite are close in meaning, antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. // a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Q: Where would 'contradictory' be a reasonable alternative to 'opposite'?

The words contradictory and opposite can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When is 'contrary' a more appropriate choice than 'opposite'?

The meanings of contrary and opposite largely overlap; however, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition. // contrary assessments of the war situation

opposite 1 of 2

adjective

ˈä-pə-zət

Definition of opposite next

as in contradictory

being as different as possible those two are fundamentally opposite—she being loquacious and outgoing where he is quiet and reserved

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

opposite

2 of 2

noun

as in contrary

something that is as different as possible from something else no matter what I say, you insist on the opposite

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective opposite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of opposite are antithetical, contradictory, and contrary. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

When is it sensible to use antithetical instead of opposite?

While the synonyms antithetical and opposite are close in meaning, antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Where would contradictory be a reasonable alternative to opposite?

The words contradictory and opposite can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is contrary a more appropriate choice than opposite?

The meanings of contrary and opposite largely overlap; however, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

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 opposite

Adjective

Their first run of the game didn’t come until Luis Torrens hit an opposite field home run in the top of the fifth. —

Fiifi Frimpong, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025 Behind the predicament are two vectors moving in opposite directions: The cost of launching satellites is falling, while the cost of insuring them continues to soar. —

Tom Brown, Space.com, 28 June 2025

Noun

Pappas' out-of-touch agenda represents the opposite of commonsense, and voters will reject him for it in 2026. —

Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 The inference here is that women’s speech is coded as weak and men’s, the direct opposite. —

Megan C. Reynolds, Time, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for opposite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite

Adjective

Combs’ team has been able to put on much of their case during cross-examination of the government’s nearly three dozen witnesses, grilling them about alleged inconsistencies in their testimony or seemingly contradictory statements.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
Running June 26-28, the conference catches Africa and a contradictory time.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 24 June 2025

Definition of contradictory

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opposing

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oppositely

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“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: 3 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of opposite

adjective

noun

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Example Sentences