Definitions

on the contrary

ADVERB

again

Synonyms

STRONGEST

also further then

WEAK

additionally besides furthermore moreover on the other hand

ADVERB

differently

Synonyms

STRONGEST

individually negatively separately variously

WEAK

abnormally adversely antagonistically antithetically asymmetrically conflictingly contradictorily contrarily contrastingly contrastively discordantly disparately dissimilarly distinctively divergently diversely hostilely in a different manner incompatibly incongruously nonconformably on the other hand oppositely poles apart uniquely unorthodoxly unusually vice versa

Antonyms

STRONGEST

together

ADVERB

vice versa

Synonyms

WEAK

about-face again backwards contra contrarily contrariwise contrary conversely far from it in reverse inversely mutatis mutandis oppositely reversed the opposite way the other way around turn about upside down

CONJUNCTION

Synonyms

WEAK

contrary to in reverse instead instead of oppositely or not or not exactly or rather rather reversing it

Antonyms

WEAK

neither nor without choice

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.

It is, on the contrary, a way of continuing their legacy and celebrating them.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 31, 2026

“It is not a great disproportion between ourselves and others which produces envy, but on the contrary, a proximity,” wrote David Hume, the 18th-century philosopher and economist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

Hitler believed the German people must never be allowed to “cool off”; on the contrary, they had to be subjected to a perpetual drumbeat.

From Salon • May 24, 2025

In a statement to the BBC, the SBU said co-operating with Russian agents "will in no way ease the plight of the prisoner; on the contrary, it may significantly complicate their chances of being exchanged."

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2025

The water didn’t feel icy anymore either ... on the contrary, he felt pleasantly cool and very light.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

on the contrary

Example Sentences

Related Words