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Dictionary.com
Definitions

run counter to

VERB
differ
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alter conflict with contradict contrast disagree diverge modify vary
STRONG
digress diversify qualify reverse turn
WEAK
be distinguished from be off the beaten path be unlike bear no resemblance clash with depart from deviate from divaricate from jar with lack resemblance not conform not look like show contrast sing a different tune stand apart take exception
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accept agree coincide concur remain
WEAK
be same conform consent harmonize
VERB
disagree
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clash contradict differ dissent diverge
STRONG
conflict counter depart deviate discord disharmonize vary war
WEAK
be discordant be dissimilar
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agree approve concur consent
STRONG
stay
WEAK
accept acquiesce aid coincide harmonize help
VERB
oppose
Synonyms
STRONGEST
argue assail attack debate defy deny disagree dispute face fight prevent protest resist
STRONG
assault bar battle bombard check combat confront contradict controvert counter counterattack cross disapprove encounter expose gainsay hinder neutralize reverse taunt thwart withstand
WEAK
call in question face down fly in the face of frown at not countenance search out speak against stand up to take a stand take issue take on turn the tables
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accept agree aid allow comply give in go along harmonize help retreat support surrender yield
STRONG
approve assist encourage forward make peace permit
WEAK
favor join participate

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.

Police leaders, civil rights advocates and other experts say the actions of immigration officials and agents run counter to law enforcement’s best practices.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026

But keeping a smaller EV manufacturing footprint seems to run counter to the idea of producing competitively priced, profit-making EVs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

From a human-resources perspective, it makes little sense to effectively conflate vacation days with work-from-home days, and it also seems to run counter to promoting goodwill.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 28, 2025

To Steven Blitz, chief U.S. economist at TS Lombard, such a move would run counter to the administration’s framing of the tariffs as something that trading partners, not U.S. customers, are paying.

From Barron's • Oct. 7, 2025

Chattaway demurred, but he knew better than run counter to any mandate issued by Diana Trevlyn.

From Trevlyn Hold by Wood, Mrs. Henry