opposite 1 of 2

opposite

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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
Another vehicle with a driver headed west on State Route 260 between Show Low and Heber-Overgaard crossed over the center lane and collided with the ambulance headed in the opposite direction, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said. Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025 The second opened inside the Wells Fargo bank lobby on the opposite side. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
From Feel Good creator and comedian Mae Martin comes Wayward, a twisty limited series that explores teenage rebellion and what happens when institutions claiming to help kids might actually be doing the opposite. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025 The camera is, therefore, the polar opposite of a true home. Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opposite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite
Adjective
  • While independent reviews have dismissed claims of FBI orchestration, Patel’s criticism of Wray keeps pressure on the bureau, and his contradictory comments to Trump's regarding January 6 highlight divisions within the Republican Party over how to interpret the events at the Capitol.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Each participant has their own reasons — pride, profit, or passion — making for a fascinating and often contradictory portrait of a community built on memory.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 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
  • This is basically that, but in reverse.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The bank expects the PBOC to cut the seven-day reverse repo rate and loan prime rate by 10-basis points in the fourth quarter, along with a a 50-basis-point reduction in the reserve requirement ratio, which sets out how much cash banks must hold in reserve.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Design Details: The obverse showcases Adolph A. Weinman's depiction of Liberty, while the reverse features an eagle landing with an oak branch, designed by Emily Damstra and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, USA Today reported.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on opposite

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