contrary

noun

The opposite.

(logic) One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be simultaneously true, though they may both be false.

(historical) A type of loaded die.

verb

(obsolete) To oppose; to frustrate.

(obsolete) To contradict (someone or something).

(obsolete) To do the opposite of (someone or something).

(obsolete) To act inconsistently or perversely; to act in opposition to.

(obsolete) To argue; to debate; to uphold an opposite opinion.

(obsolete) To be self-contradictory; to become reversed.

(obsolete) To impugn.

adjective

Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.

Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.

Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.

adverb

Contrarily

Roots

contracontra- · Latin · against, opposite

Synonyms for contrary

oppositeadj adverseadj contrariousadj contrariwiseadv oppugnantadj contradictingv reversev contradictoryadj renunciatoryadj opposedadj oppositelyadv antitheticaladj perverseadj antitheticadj

Synonyms & related words for contrary

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of contrary — including opposite, adverse, contrarious, contrariwise, oppugnant, contradicting. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to contrary

Explore words related to contrary — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include contradicter, contradictor, contradictable, contradicts, contradicted, gainsayer, contrariety, contrapose. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for contrary

Common synonyms for contrary include opposite, adverse, contrarious, contrariwise, oppugnant, contradicting, reverse, contradictory — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does contrary come from?

The word contrary breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root contra-, from Latin contra (“against, opposite”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.