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

After a horrible start to 2025, the box office roared to life with the release of A Minecraft Movie, followed by Sinners and Lilo & Stitch, which opened opposite Paramount and Skydance’s Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, featuring Tom Cruise in his final turn as überspy Ethan Hunt. —

Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025 Bryan and Amaya’s relationship, by the way, is going at the opposite pace of whatever Chelley and Ace are doing. —

Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 9 July 2025

Noun

Verizon is hoping the new FCC leadership will essentially do the opposite: codify the longer locking periods imposed by other carriers as the industry standard. —

ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025 That's nonsense… and anyone who's been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true. —

Shania Russell, EW.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for opposite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite

Adjective

Such academic collaborations were not contradictory to the North Korean credo of Juche (self-reliance) but rather a means of furthering the resilience capacity of the country’s ecological system which inherently transcends borders.

— Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
That’s because Trump’s aims are often contradictory.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

Definition of contradictory

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opposing

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oppositely

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“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: 15 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of opposite

adjective

noun

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