contrary to

preposition

Definition of contrary tonext
as in against

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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 contrary to Perhaps most famously, Robert Metcalfe, working at Xerox PARC in 1973, roughed out some early designs for what would become Ethernet, though contrary to popular belief, no napkin was involved. — Harry Goldstein, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Aug. 2026 This seems contrary to the whole gravel garden concept, but the water requirement changes as the plants root into the soil below the gravel. — Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Aug. 2026 Assistant Town Engineer Matt Gavelek said that the problems were created because, contrary to the town’s instructions, a large area of land was excavated. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Béjar said that, contrary to Meta’s statements, the company’s research on safety issues was not being used to improve products. — Barbara Ortutay, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrary to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary to
  1. against
  2. athwart
Preposition
  • The technology was also tested against deceptive behaviour, an in a different scenario, fishing boats appeared to retreat while vessels from another direction accelerated toward the coastguard ship.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The informant cut a deal with prosecutors to record Vaughn and testify against him in exchange for drug charges against him being dropped.
    — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of against
Preposition
  • An obstructionist Supreme Court, however, stood athwart the New Deal’s path.
    — John Fabian Witt, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2022
  • One of the world’s largest container ships was wedged athwart the Suez Canal on March 23rd, blown off course by high winds.
    — The Economist, The Economist, 27 Mar. 2021
Definition of athwart

Browse Nearby Words

contrary
contrary to
contrast
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Cite this Entry

“Contrary to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrary%20to. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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