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Definitions

contrary

[kon-trer-ee, kuhn-trair-ee] / ˈkɒn trɛr i, kənˈtrɛər i /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Americans didn’t actually land on the moon last week, despite some congratulations to the contrary, and Artemis II didn’t quite captivate the full attention of a country distracted by global strife and gas pumps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Those with the contrary view will be tempted once again by his prospects.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“Any reporting to the contrary is false. We encourage people to consult trusted news sources, and to verify the accuracy of any reporting, before reflexively sharing or repeating baseless rumors.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

But he said he’s also looking to four prior ETF launches that were focused on hot themes and then “acted as contrary indicators in an extremely precise manner.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

On the contrary, I was elated and urgently wanted to tell my closest friends.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan




Vocabulary lists containing contrary