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 Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of antithetical In today’s political climate, as parties seek power to push through their respective political agendas, Haslam argued that the U.S. Constitution outlines a system that is designed to facilitate consensus in governing – concepts seemingly antithetical to today’s norms. —

Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 15 Nov. 2024 Trump and Homan’s goals are antithetical to New York and American values. —

Murad Awawdeh, New York Daily News, 16 Dec. 2024 The Harris campaign has sought to appeal to Republicans who don’t like Trump’s policies, many of which are antithetical to generations of conservative Republican philosophy, and to people who are alarmed by authoritarian pronouncements from the former president. —

Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2024 My experience with both films was almost antithetical. —

Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antithetical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antithetical

Adjective

To her, people’s contradictory reactions were an outcome of their disengagement.

Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2025
Watching Spence on Wednesday night, helping guide Spurs to only their second clean sheet in 12 games – against Liverpool, European football’s form team – was to have two contradictory thoughts.

Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025