opposite 1 of 2

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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
Up next, the actor is slated to star opposite Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in Feig's upcoming film The Housemaid. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 May 2025 The Cortado's bedroom is on the opposite side of the house to the bathroom and looks quite spacious, with a double bed and a seating area. Adam Williams, New Atlas, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
HiTech’s only competition came from that group’s diametric opposite. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2025 That shows the family is teaching empathy, mutual respect, and emotional intelligence—precisely the opposite of what the uncle accused them of lacking. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opposite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite
Adjective
  • With these two contradictory responses, Dr. Fischman says there is the potential for arrhythmias, which is an abnormal heart rhythm.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Examples of the market tuning out the White House came on Friday, as several contradictory pieces of tariff news came and went, causing at most a short-term ripple for stocks.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The context seemed to offer proof of William Blake’s adage: Without contraries is no progression.
    Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024
  • Anyone still out on new ownership is just a contrary a this point.
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 29 July 2024
Noun
  • In Vietnam, dusty provincial museums and newer, sleeker ones inaugurated for the 50th anniversary echo the sentiment in reverse, displaying mannequins of wily peasant farmers taking on the U.S. war machine.
    Made by History, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
  • That’s one of the most normal things for a story that was always told in reverse.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On the watch’s obverse, a teal blue dial in grand feu enamel presents a dynamic barley-seed pattern that requires 12 hours of meticulous hand-work to create.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Kraft noted that the coin's obverse was identical to the 1806 British coinage, while the reverse was unique to the Bahamas.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on opposite

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