contrarian

[kuhn-trair-ee-uhn] / kənˈtrɛər i ən /

NOUN

one who takes an opposing view

Synonyms

STRONG

antagonist

WEAK

adversary debater opponent

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.

They said their contrarian sentiment indicator has triggered a “sell” signal for the first time since November 2021.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

This “extreme pessimism” is the contrarian tailwind the market has been waiting for.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

He made a contrarian bull market call in January 2023 and nailed the stock bottom in April 2025.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

I left the theater feeling giddily put through the wringer by its contrarian depictions of heroes and fiends.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

It was all part of the Adams pattern, an iconoclastic and contrarian temperament that relished alienation.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis