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Definitions

against the grain

ADJECTIVE
opposed/opposing
Synonyms
WEAK
allergic anti antipathetic antithetical antonymous at cross-purposes at odds averse battling clashing combating conflicting confronting contrary controverting counter crossing defending defensive denying disagreeing disputed disputing dissentient enemy exposing facing gainsaying hostile in opposition incompatible inimical irreconcilable objecting obstructive opposite protesting repelling restrictive rival up against warring
Antonyms
WEAK
aiding assisting compatible helping similar
ADJECTIVE
oppositional
Synonyms
WEAK
adversarial adverse allergic antagonistic anti antipathetic antithetical antonymous at cross-purposes at odds averse battling clashing combating conflicting confronting contrary controverting counter crossing defending defensive denying disagreeing disputed disputing dissentient enemy exposing facing gainsaying hostile in opposition incompatible inimical irreconcilable objecting obstructive opposed opposite protesting repelling restrictive rival up against warring
ADJECTIVE
unwilling
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afraid averse compelled evasive forced loath reluctant resistant unenthusiastic
WEAK
against backward begrudging contrary demurring disinclined disobliging grudging hesitating indisposed indocile involuntary laggard malcontent opposed recalcitrant refractory remiss shrinking shy slack slow unaccommodating uncheerful uncooperative uneager uninclined unobliging unready unwishful wayward
Antonyms
STRONGEST
eager enthusiastic ready willing
WEAK
prepared

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.

And going against the grain is finally paying off for the nation’s largest brokerage: Stellar first-quarter numbers across the board sent the stock soaring Wednesday.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Earlier this month, Poland’s central bank went against the grain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

David Murdoch: Going to go against the grain here and say this tie isn't over.

From BBC • Aug. 20, 2025

That upbringing made him an inclusionary presence, as well as someone who never feared going against the grain.

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2025

Such rapid advancement cut against the grain in New Haven.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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