contrary

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of CONTRARY

something that is as different as possible from something else <the admonition that we should not return hate with hate, but rather with its contrary—love>

Synonyms antipode, antithesis, contrary, counter, negative, obverse, reverse

Related Words negation; antonym; counterpoint; converse, inverse, mirror image

Near Antonyms synonym; analogue (or analog), counterpart; carbon copy, copy, duplicate, replica

Learn More About

Dictionary: Definition of "contrary"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "contrary"

Nglish: Translation of "contrary" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "contrary" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up contrary[noun]? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More