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opposite 1 of 2

Definition of oppositenext

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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
McKenzie and Sebastian's decision to embrace the unexpected made their wedding even better when an opposite reaction to the rain could have ruined the whole celebration. Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 This has a compounding benefit in the opposite direction. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
When attraction cannot manifest publicly, its passion can only be portrayed as its opposite, and the violent interactions between the hard-bodied pair, who slam and check each other again and again in the rink, are part of this phenomenon. Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026 And immigration enforcement looks the opposite of that right now. Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opposite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite
Adjective
  • In the days since the raid, the White House has offered a mess of contradictory plans and rationales.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026
  • But the sheer amount of it can be difficult to keep up with, and sometimes the guidance can be downright contradictory.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The context seemed to offer proof of William Blake’s adage: Without contraries is no progression.
    Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024
  • Anyone still out on new ownership is just a contrary a this point.
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 29 July 2024
Noun
  • Good first put her vehicle in reverse, and then accelerated forward.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Becca Good pulls on the passenger side door to try and get in, and the vehicle briefly moves in reverse.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images New designs on the obverse and reverse of the 2026 dime, quarter and half dollar coins will be minted throughout the year to celebrate 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Design Details: The obverse showcases Adolph A. Weinman's depiction of Liberty, while the reverse features an eagle landing with an oak branch, designed by Emily Damstra and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, USA Today reported.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on opposite

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