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Dictionary.com
Definitions

to the contrary

ADVERB
au contraire
Synonyms
WEAK
contrarily contrariwise in opposition on the other hand
PREPOSITION
notwithstanding
Synonyms
STRONG
nevertheless nonetheless withal
WEAK
after all against at any rate but despite for all that howbeit in any case in any event in spite of on the other hand regardless of though

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.

“Any reporting to the contrary is false. We encourage people to consult trusted news sources, and to verify the accuracy of any reporting, before reflexively sharing or repeating baseless rumors.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Arguments to the contrary are overly cautious and pedantic.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

He genuinely believes he can change reality simply by relentlessly stating something as fact in the face of all evidence to the contrary.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

Whether secretly he harboured ambitions to the contrary we will never know.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

Finally Ben was able to drop the rock and I retained my firm belief that it wouldn’t fall despite evidence to the contrary.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss