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

While the team has been impressive on defense, Orlando City has struggled with consistency on the opposite end of the field. —

Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2025 James Gray is assembling another A-list cast for his next feature film, Paper Tiger, as sources tell Deadline that Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller are set to co-star opposite Adam Driver in the upcoming pic. —

Justin Kroll, Deadline, 9 May 2025

Noun

When the 267th pope is chosen, white smoke will be sent through the chapel's chimney, but until then, black smoke will signal the opposite. —

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 7 May 2025 Empowering people to spot manipulation—irrespective of the issue—is the opposite of censorship. —

Sander Van Der Linden, Time, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for opposite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite

Adjective

These errant policies include the 340B drug discount program, which now has the contradictory impact of raising overall drug prices.

— Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Where exactly is the United States’ economy amid these contradictory signals?

— Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 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 22 May. 2025.

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Last Updated: 16 May 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of opposite

adjective

noun

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Example Sentences