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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
or
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

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

But that doesn't mean Arctic permafrost is nothing to worry about -- on the contrary, the study clearly shows that the permafrost zone is very heterogenous.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

No, on the contrary, they had been wise.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.