ANTITHETICAL Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'antithetical' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory , contrary , and opposite . While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. // a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Q: When can 'contradictory' be used instead of 'antithetical'?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical , contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid. // made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

Q: When might 'contrary' be a better fit than 'antithetical'?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition. // contrary assessments of the war situation

Q: In what contexts can 'opposite' take the place of 'antithetical'?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict. // opposite views on foreign aid

antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl

Definition of antithetical next

as in contradictory

being as different as possible spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society

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How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Examples of antithetical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The idea that Jesus can personally appear to anyone is antithetical to mainstream LDS Church teachings. —

Lizz Schumer, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024 The centralized direction and focus implicit in such policies are, in fact, antithetical to the fundamental benefit to innovation from a diversity of effort. —

Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 To dismiss and exclude others based on political beliefs, or on their intention to vote for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, is arrogant and antithetical to the defining characteristic of patriotism: the belief that our commitment to our fellow countrymen must transcend partisan differences. —

John Hatzis, National Review, 13 Sep. 2024 After taking the reins in 1994, the party promised to build a democratic, just, and prosperous society antithetical to the country’s apartheid past. —

Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Foreign Affairs, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for antithetical

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antithetical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.