au contraire

[oh kawn-trer] / oʊ kɔ̃ˈtrɛr /

ADJECTIVE

on the contrary

Synonyms

WEAK

in opposition on the other hand to the contrary

ADVERB

on the contrary

Synonyms

WEAK

contrarily contrariwise in opposition on the other hand to the contrary

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.

“Using less water didn’t affect the harvest, au contraire, it actually improved the grapes’ quality.

From Forbes • Oct. 2, 2014

If you’re the kind of consumer who likes to know where your food comes from, this might sound like a pretty good idea, but au contraire: This law is as flawed as they come.

From Slate • Jul. 24, 2014

What is great news for the defense is also great news for the stability of the team as a whole; not that Karl W Ouimette was doing a bad job – au contraire.

From The Guardian • Apr. 12, 2013

Humans have no fear of Twinkies and cheeseburgers - au contraire - although these foods have become more dangerous to our health than anything that skitters, flits or crawls.

From Washington Post • Oct. 25, 2010

In La France, au contraire, blows cause the madness.

From Original Penny Readings A Series of Short Sketches by Fenn, George Manville