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contradictory

adjective

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce contradictory (audio)
Definition of contradictorynext
as in contrary
being as different as possible contradictory predictions regarding stock prices that were of no help to investors at all

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 All in all, Linklater has set himself a fascinatingly contradictory assignment. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 May 2025 However, data from previous studies have been contradictory. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 10 May 2025 Iranian officials have accused Washington of shifting its tone depending on its audience, calling the messaging contradictory and counterproductive. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 Throughout questioning, her story changed, adding fake and contradictory details. —Alex Gurley, People.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for contradictory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradictory
  1. contrary
  2. opposite
  3. unfavorable
  4. antithetical
Adjective
  • As is frequently the case in America these days, those looking for ways to blame an act of terror on distinctly right-wing or leftist extremism will find that the truth lies in a baffling and murky middle where contrary strains of radicalism converge.
    — Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
  • This is a contrary indicator as these levels are often seen at important market bottoms.
    — Tom Aspray, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Definition of contrary
Adjective
  • Bond yields and prices trade in opposite directions.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • The main issue appeared to be opposite ideas about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that was drafted and for which Trump has expressed support.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of opposite
Adjective
  • But at a time when student-athletes’ rights prevail and provide the freedom to change schools and cash in, coaches aim to regain control and curtail roster movement — even at the expense of a player in an unfavorable situation.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025
  • The reality is that an underdeveloped supply chain and unfavorable economics are far larger factors.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • This state of affairs, Brooks thinks, is antithetical to music’s purpose.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025
  • Such practices are antithetical to the American tradition of an independent, adversarial press.
    — Jim Martin, Denver Post, 1 May 2025
Definition of antithetical

Browse Nearby Words

contradictoriness
contradictory
contradicts
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contradictory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradictory. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contradictory

Nglish: Translation of contradictory for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contradictory

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