OPPOSITE Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of opposite are antithetical , contradictory , and contrary . While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict. // opposite views on foreign aid

Q: When is it sensible to use 'antithetical' instead of 'opposite'?

While the synonyms antithetical and opposite are close in meaning, antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. // a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

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

The words contradictory and opposite can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is 'contrary' a more appropriate choice than 'opposite'?

The meanings of contrary and opposite largely overlap; however, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition. // contrary assessments of the war situation

opposite 1 of 2

adjective

ˈä-pə-zət

Definition of opposite next

as in contradictory

being as different as possible those two are fundamentally opposite—she being loquacious and outgoing where he is quiet and reserved

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

opposite

2 of 2

noun

as in contrary

something that is as different as possible from something else no matter what I say, you insist on the opposite

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective opposite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of opposite are antithetical, contradictory, and contrary. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

When is it sensible to use antithetical instead of opposite?

While the synonyms antithetical and opposite are close in meaning, antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Where would contradictory be a reasonable alternative to opposite?

The words contradictory and opposite can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is contrary a more appropriate choice than opposite?

The meanings of contrary and opposite largely overlap; however, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

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 opposite

Adjective

Between the lines: Usually, unemployment and inflation move in opposite directions, as Axios' Neil Irwin explained recently. —

Emily Peck, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025 With the Yankees trailing 4-2, the left-handed swinger shot a ball to the opposite corner for a three-run homer in the fifth. —

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025

Noun

The president campaigned on a promise to bring down grocery prices, but the new tariffs announced Wednesday will do the opposite for many staple foods. —

Emily Peck, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025 Paddy: So for you then what is the opposite of shame or what is the antidote to shame? —

Outside Online, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opposite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite

Adjective

As mentioned previously, not all patients with stage 4 breast cancer at diagnosis may benefit from surgery, as the research literature on its benefit is contradictory.

— Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
The uncertainty is the product of messages from Washington, D.C., that have been contradictory and indecipherably vague.

— Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025

Definition of contradictory

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opposing

opposite

oppositely

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“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Last Updated: 10 Apr 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of opposite

adjective

noun

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Example Sentences