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 And on Friday, in the first of these cases to make its way through the courts, the declaration was judged to be contrary to the statute. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026 That’s quite contrary to other luxury spaces across the globe that continue to expand and overdevelop rapidly. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 The directive was contrary to previous court rulings that provided immigration judges with discretion to decide motions to change venue, Dillon's attorneys said in the complaint. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026 Such a response is contrary to my intent of deflecting attention away from the subject. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrary to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary to
  1. against
  2. athwart
Preposition
  • Catholics have used Scripture to argue for and against deportations and strict immigration enforcement.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • This comes after Toney also already set the school record for single-game receiving yards in the season opener against Stanford.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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