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
Two streetcars are connected to opposite ends of a single cable, counterbalancing each other. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 4 Sep. 2025 Its two cars, each capable of carrying around 40 people, are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the two cars. Andrei Khalip, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
Instead, the opposite has happened. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Suicide is the opposite of imagination. Leila Chatti september 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opposite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite
Adjective
  • The administration counters that the injunction forces the executive branch to take steps that undermine its own policy, including negotiating with foreign governments over funds the president opposes and sending contradictory signals to Congress.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Denim’s contradictory state is evident across Wröbel’s denim shifts.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 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
  • Some photographers flip this assumed authenticity on its head by reverse-engineering studios and sets to resemble homes.
    Megan Williams, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Today, that flow is in reverse.
    Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 2 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 10 Sep. 2025.

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