Synonyms of opposite

opposite 1 of 2

adjective

ˈä-pə-zət 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contradictory
• contrary
• antithetical
• polar
• unfavorable
• diametric
• negative
• antipodal
• divergent
• hostile
• adverse
• antagonistic
• unlike
• counter
• antipodean
• reverse
• cross
• dissimilar
• inverse
• alien
• antipathetic
• obverse
• disparate
• converse
• unalike

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• same
• like
• analogous
• identical
• noncontradictory
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contrary
• reverse
• obverse
• antithesis
• negative
• counter
• converse
• antipode
• negation
• inverse
• counterpoint
• antonym
• mirror image

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• synonym
• counterpart
• analogue
• duplicate
• copy
• replica
• carbon copy

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of opposite

Adjective

These cars are said to already be in development for the European market, so this effort would simply certify them for sale on the opposite side of the pond. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 15 July 2026

Cut peaches in half through the seam; twist halves in opposite directions to halve each peach; remove pits. — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 14 July 2026

Noun

To surrender our role in that is to forfeit our humanity, and the opposite will always be true as well. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 July 2026

This Claudia is the opposite of Hayles’s quiet, cunning performance as Regina and conveys a phenomenal range. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 July 2026