CONTRADICTORY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of contradictory are antithetical , contrary , and opposite . While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," 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 can 'antithetical' be used instead of 'contradictory'?

The synonyms antithetical and contradictory are sometimes interchangeable, but antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. // a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'contrary' instead of 'contradictory'?

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

Q: Where would 'opposite' be a reasonable alternative to 'contradictory'?

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

contradictory

adjective

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē

Definition of contradictory next

as in contrary

being as different as possible contradictory predictions regarding stock prices that were of no help to investors at all

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How does the adjective contradictory differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contradictory are antithetical, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," 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 can antithetical be used instead of contradictory?

The synonyms antithetical and contradictory are sometimes interchangeable, but antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When is it sensible to use contrary instead of contradictory?

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

contrary assessments of the war situation

Where would opposite be a reasonable alternative to contradictory?

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

opposite views on foreign aid

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of contradictory The reason for what might strike some as contradictory definitions was clear to me: fear of the Evil Eye. —

Calvin Trillin, The New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2024 The reality here is that you will be permanently tasked with balancing these vital yet contradictory priorities. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 The administration could well take some contradictory stances too. —

Li Zhou, WIRED, 23 Nov. 2024 Northwestern University’s new $850 million stadium project has two notable and almost contradictory superlatives. —

Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contradictory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradictory

Adjective

While the rest of the world obsesses about incorporating the color into design, technology, marketing strategies, sunglass frames and energy bras, check out these contrary colors.

R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Robyn was determined to be the authentic fifty-something woman who is complicated and contrary and not at all driven by being liked.

Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2024