Definitions

contrary

[kon-trer-ee, kuhn-trair-ee] / ˈkɒn trɛr i, kənˈtrɛər i /

ADJECTIVE

antagonistic; opposite

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adverse antithetical conflicting contradictory discordant hostile inconsistent inimical negative opposed paradoxical wrongheaded

STRONG

anti antipodal converse counter dissident nonconformist recusant refractory reverse

WEAK

antipathetic antipodean balky clashing contrariant contumacious diametric dissentient froward headstrong insubordinate intractable nonconforming obstinate ornery perverse rebellious recalcitrant restive stubborn unruly wayward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable agreeing consistent friendly harmonious kind

STRONG

conforming equal same similar

WEAK

accommodating alike concordant correspondent homogeneous like obliging

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.

"USCIS's actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious."

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

And she adds: “The court’s apparently oblivious insistence to the contrary today cannot be squared with what Callais said on its face just over one month ago.”

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

Gallagher said, contrary to popular belief, cockroach infestations could be controlled - though he admitted they could be "harder to treat" than other pests.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

That’s the conclusion of a contrary analysis of sentiment among short-term market timers, though this isn’t immediately obvious when analyzing their behavior.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Penelope had not willingly left England; quite the contrary.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing contrary

Opposites Attract

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Against All Odds: Contra and Counter

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 16–19

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