Definitions

contrary

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

ADJECTIVE

antagonistic; opposite

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adverse antithetical conflicting contradictory discordant hostile inconsistent inimical negative opposed paradoxical wrongheaded

STRONG

anti antipodal converse counter dissident nonconformist recusant refractory reverse

WEAK

antipathetic antipodean balky clashing contrariant contumacious diametric dissentient froward headstrong insubordinate intractable nonconforming obstinate ornery perverse rebellious recalcitrant restive stubborn unruly wayward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable agreeing consistent friendly harmonious kind

STRONG

conforming equal same similar

WEAK

accommodating alike concordant correspondent homogeneous like obliging

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.

"If we do it well, integrate people well, there is nothing bad in it at all. Quite the contrary."

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Quite the contrary, Pratt has insinuated on social media that they’re onto something.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Asking him to choose sides runs contrary to decades of Sesame Street lessons about kindness, friendship and inclusion.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

"USCIS's actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious."

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

This was contrary to orthodox Aristotelian philosophy, which said that there could be no such thing as a vacuum.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing contrary

Opposites Attract

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Against All Odds: Contra and Counter

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 16–19

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