Synonym Chooser

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 Another approach, aesthetically antithetical but practically kindred, uses digital means for figurative hyper-similitude. Glenn Adamson, ARTnews.com, 16 Dec. 2024 This notion is entirely antithetical to decentralized finance. Ron Insana, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2024 Many of the traditional Jeep details, such as a large, vertical front grille, a square back and trapezoidal wheel wells, are antithetical to the aerodynamic demands of an EV. Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for antithetical 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antithetical
Adjective
  • Furthermore, in a seemingly contradictory move, NVIDIA announced its inaugural Quantum Day, slated for March 20 during GTC 2025, further underscoring its vested interest in QC.
    Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The contradictory qualities are supposed to be baffling but also a bit amusing.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These two contrary experiences create a sense of dissonance—and social media offers a way out.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Because myths are based on belief, the mere mention of an incident or circumstance will confirm the myth, while contrary information is conveniently ignored, downplayed or rationalized.
    Timothy J. Brown, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As the suspects run out of frame, a car that had pulled up in the opposite lane just before the shooting pulls off.
    Alexa Ashwell, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2025
  • And there couldn’t be a more opposite move to Sanders than making Schottenheimer the 10th head coach in franchise history.
    Jon Machota, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near antithetical

Cite this Entry

“Antithetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antithetical. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antithetical

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