Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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 contradictory The wants of the electorate are contradictory and rooted in base emotions rather than rational thought. Steven Hyden, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 His policies were often incomplete, inconsistent, or contradictory. Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 Other federal workers received contradictory guidance. Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Feb. 2025 Black Women Were Also Lynched A case study of the 1912 lynching of Mary Jackson in Harrison County, Texas, provides insight into the contradictory culture of racial violence. JSTOR Daily, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contradictory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradictory
Adjective
  • This favorable review was a contrary opinion sell signal.
    Bill Sarubbi, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • While bullishness indicates positive views on the market, it can also be seen as a contrary indicator when there are signs of excess.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But in the second slide, Chip, 50, is having the complete opposite experience.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Education bills in the Indiana Statehouse drew scrutiny and controversy as the surviving bills head to the opposite chamber as the budget session reaches its halfway mark.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • These unfavorable political circumstances for Hochul would seem to set up a primary challenge from the left, the traditional path to denying incumbent officeholders renomination in Democratic primaries.
    David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Amid a slew of unfavorable sports outcomes in last year’s fourth quarter, Flutter projects U.S. quarterly revenues of $1.59 billion.
    Matt Rybaltowski, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Paul Mason, vice president of Pacific Forest Trust, one of the dozens of opposed environmental groups, said eliminating the tiered fire hazard severity zones could have consequences that are antithetical to building new housing that is resilient to the impacts of climate change.
    Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The court ruled that both orders violate the First and Fifth Amendments and are antithetical to federal anti-discrimination law.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contradictory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradictory. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradictory

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