Definitions

against the grain

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opposed/opposing adj.
oppositional adj.
unwilling adj.

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.

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against the grain

While the Jayhawks’ range of historic sounds is revisited, so is the outfit’s tendency to mix darker or lighter music against the grain of the words, in unexpected ways.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

This advice goes against the grain of American culture and commerce lately, but many “roadies” agree that it’s crucial to getting the best of Route 66.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026

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

We should nurture them as an occasionally irresponsible group that can go against the grain of society and pronounce hard truths.

From Salon ● Nov. 1, 2025

It goes some- how against the grain to learn that cost-benefit analyses can be done neatly on lakes, meadows, nesting gannets, even whole oceans.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

against the grain

Example Sentences

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