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

Acting stalwart John Lithgow stars opposite Essiedu as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026

In some applications, the process can also work in the opposite direction. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

Noun

Because there has to be meaning and lessons and broad conclusions to draw from every outcome, the baseball world picks a reason and explanation, then quietly discards it when next year's team does the opposite. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Apollo’s $40 billion chip lease to SpaceX suggests the opposite. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026