contradictory

adjective

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce contradictory (audio)
Definition of contradictorynext
as in opposite
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 These three different accounts of death; from the governor, the state department of health and the Coroner’s office appear contradictory. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 This coexistence of one god and many gods may initially appear contradictory, but a clearer picture emerges by tracing the history of how Hindu texts, traditions, and thinkers—and some Western scholars—have answered this question. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 The characters aren’t simply vulnerable—they’re contradictory and fragile. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 But in a seemingly contradictory trend that has continued from last year, a wide plurality of voters still view the city as headed in the right direction. — Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contradictory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradictory
  1. opposite
  2. contrary
Adjective
  • El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, one of the most powerful naturally occurring climate patterns on Earth, the WMO said.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • For more even distribution, apply half of the seed in one direction (for example, north-south) and the other half in the opposite direction (east-west).
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of opposite
Adjective
  • Creating space for contrary evidence before authority anchors the room can widen what the group considers.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Volatility versus the stock’s weighting in the index Amid so many contrary forces, analysts and investors are anticipating a high degree of volatility and advising caution as hedging activity around the stock simmers.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of contrary

Browse Nearby Words

contradictoriness
contradictory
contradicts
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Cite this Entry

“Contradictory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradictory. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contradictory

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contradictory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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