Synonyms for contrary
ˈkɒn trɛr i; for 5 also kənˈtrɛər icon·tra·ry

WiktionaryRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. contrarynoun

   Synonyms:
   witherward

2. contrarynoun

   opposed in nature

   Synonyms:
   witherward

3. contraryadjective

   strongly dissimilar

   Synonyms:
   witherward

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. contraryadjective

   Foreign refers to difference of birth, alien to difference of allegiance. In their figurative use, that is foreign which is remote, unlike, or unconnected; that is alien which is conflicting, hostile, or opposed. Impertinent and irrelevant matters can not claim consideration in a certain connection; inappropriate matters could not properly be considered. Compare ALIEN, n.; CONTRAST, v.

   Synonyms:
   alien, alien, conflicting, contradictory, contrasted, distant, foreign, hostile, impertinent, inappropriate, irrelevant, opposed, remote, strange, unconnected, unlike

   Antonyms:
   akin, appropriate, apropos, essential, germane, pertinent, proper, relevant

   Preposition:
   Such a purpose was alien to (or from) my thought: to preferable.

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.0 / 1 vote

1. contrary

   Synonyms:
   opposed, opposite, repugnant, antagonistic, adverse, incompatible, inconsistent

   Antonyms:
   agreeing, consentaneous, compatible, kindred, coincident, consistent

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. reverse, contrary, oppositenoun

   a relation of direct opposition

   "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"

   Synonyms:
   reversal, turnabout, turnaround, setback, opposite, black eye, opposite word, reverse, verso, inverse, blow, antonym, opposition, opponent, reversion, reverse gear

   Antonyms:
   obedient, favorable, same, synonymous, favourable

2. contrarynoun

   exact opposition

   "public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty"

   Synonyms:
   reverse, opposite

   Antonyms:
   obedient, synonymous, favorable, same, favourable

3. contraryadjective

   a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false

   Synonyms:
   reverse, opposite

   Antonyms:
   favourable, same, obedient, favorable, synonymous

4. contraryadjective

   very opposed in nature or character or purpose

   "acts contrary to our code of ethics"; "the facts point to a contrary conclusion"

   Synonyms:
   perverse, obstinate, wayward, adverse

   Antonyms:
   favourable, obedient, synonymous, same, favorable

5. contraryadjective

   of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false

   "`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms"

   Synonyms:
   perverse, obstinate, wayward, adverse

   Antonyms:
   favorable, synonymous, favourable, obedient, same

6. contrary, obstinate, perverse, waywardadjective

   resistant to guidance or discipline

   "Mary Mary quite contrary"; "an obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a perverse mood"; "wayward behavior"

   Synonyms:
   depraved, obdurate, unrepentant, obstinate, wayward, perverted, reprobate, stubborn, cussed, unregenerate, perverse, adverse

   Antonyms:
   favourable, same, synonymous, obedient, favorable

7. adverse, contraryadjective

   in an opposing direction

   "adverse currents"; "a contrary wind"

   Synonyms:
   perverse, obstinate, untoward, inauspicious, wayward, adverse

   Antonyms:
   synonymous, favorable, same, favourable, obedient

Matched Categories

1. • Opposition

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:3.0 / 1 vote

1. contraryadjective

   Synonyms:
   opposite, opposing, adverse, opposed, counter

2. contraryadjective

   Synonyms:
   antagonistic, conflicting, contradictory, counteracting, retroactive, repugnant

3. contraryadjective

   Synonyms:
   perverse, humorsome, wayward, obstinate, stubborn, headstrong, refractory, unruly

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. contraryadjective

   Synonyms:
   opposite, adverse, counter, opposed, repugnant, incompatible, contradictory, retroactive, antagonistic, conflicting, abhorrent, inconsistent, perverse, wayward, refractory, headstrong, intractable

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "contrary":

   opposite, contrast, contrario, inconsistent, reverse, contravention, violation, opposed, incompatible, breach, contradiction, counter, inimical, contradictory, opposing, inverse, converse

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How to use contrary in a sentence?

1. Frank Mulholland:

   The use of torture cannot be condoned, it is against international law and contrary to the common law of Scotland.

2. R Chamberlain:

   He that rectifies a crooked stick bends it the contrary way, so must he that would reform a vice learn to affect its mere contrary, and in time he shall see the springing blossoms of a happy restoration.

3. Aldous Huxley:

   Consistency is contrary to nature, contrary to life. The only completely consistent people are dead.

4. Ralph Waldo Emerson:

   Do not say things. What you are stands over you the while and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary.

5. Confucius:

   When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.