CONTRARY Synonyms: 222 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'contrary' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contrary are antithetical , contradictory , and opposite . While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition. // contrary assessments of the war situation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'antithetical' instead of 'contrary'?

While in some cases nearly identical to contrary , antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. // a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Q: In what contexts can 'contradictory' take the place of 'contrary'?

While the synonyms contradictory and contrary are close in meaning, 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

Q: When can 'opposite' be used instead of 'contrary'?

In some situations, the words opposite and contrary are roughly equivalent. However, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict. // opposite views on foreign aid

contrary 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē

Definition of contrary

as in contradictory

being as different as possible the other jurors seemed sure the defendant was guilty, but I came to the contrary conclusion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mischievous

engaging in or marked by childish misbehavior a contrary child who wouldn't behave

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control the contrary soldier is facing a court-martial for insubordination

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

contrary

2 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē

as in opposite

something that is as different as possible from something else the admonition that we should not return hate with hate, but rather with its contrary—love

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective contrary differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contrary are antithetical, contradictory, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

When is it sensible to use antithetical instead of contrary?

While in some cases nearly identical to contrary, antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

In what contexts can contradictory take the place of contrary?

While the synonyms contradictory and contrary are close in meaning, 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 can opposite be used instead of contrary?

In some situations, the words opposite and contrary are roughly equivalent. However, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

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 contrary

Adjective

But there’s no shortage of people that take a contrary view. — Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026 Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your nonfiction development pipeline grow? — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Mar. 2026

Noun

Soldiers, to the contrary, have regularly stood by as settlers engage in wanton violence against Palestinians. — Raja Shehadeh, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2023 And, it hadn’t been endorsed by big companies such as Pfizer, despite the company's claims to the contrary. — Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 23 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for contrary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary

Adjective

Both productions feature Carlin’s unique, contradictory broadcast style.

— Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
The information the ambulance driver is getting over the radio is confusing and contradictory.

— Sydney Brownstone, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of contradictory

Adjective

This shift has moved in tandem with the growing dynamic of parliamentarians becoming more rebellious and less loyal to their leadership.

— Garret Martin, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
John Mellencamp's rebellious spirit drives him Along with his status as blue-collar rocker, Mellencamp is also a respected artist.

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Definition of rebellious

Noun

For Iran, this mixed messaging was the opposite of reassuring.

— Erik Lin-Greenberg, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
In reality, several popular home projects can quietly do the opposite, adding square footage, glass or appliances without matching improvements to insulation, shade or HVAC capacity.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Definition of opposite

Adjective

When Martín is kidnapped by a monster, Cleo ventures into the jungle to rescue him, aided by an elderly witch and a naughty anteater.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 9 July 2026
People would hang from windows, encouraging you to do naughty things, and my thumb has never been sorer from back-and-forth gestures.

— Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of naughty

Adjective

Bea will play Julia Hanley, a defiant and magnetic Irish photographer who sees past Tom’s world-changing ambition to the man beneath it, redefining his life through love.

— Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Aegon will have none of it and begins his rousing, defiant speech.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of defiant

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Style

“Contrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrary. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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noun

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