to the contrary

ADVERB

au contraire

Synonyms

WEAK

contrarily contrariwise in opposition on the other hand

PREPOSITION

notwithstanding

Synonyms

STRONG

nevertheless nonetheless withal

WEAK

after all against at any rate but despite for all that howbeit in any case in any event in spite of on the other hand regardless of though

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.

Lithgow, to the contrary, was clearly stunned — and deeply honored.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

He then posted another message, saying: “Jefferies is not promoting any shorting activity regarding any IPO. Any suggestion to the contrary is WRONG.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

It also made clear that the boy remains missing, despite reports to the contrary.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

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

Popular impressions to the contrary, relatively few victims of hypothermia die in extreme conditions, stumbling through blizzards or fighting the bite of arctic winds.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

to the contrary

Example Sentences

Related Words