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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Another culture shock that the cheerleader experienced was driving on the opposite side of the road from her native hometown. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 On the opposite side of the lobby is SparkHouse, a private members club and creative hub for up-and-coming musicians and creatives. — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Noun

As the name suggests, Farmacy’s Green Clean Juicy Gel Cleanser does the opposite of that. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 30 June 2026 That’s the opposite of collective uniformity, where you’re so overcome by self-consciousness and insecurity. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for opposite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite

Adjective

Decision-makers, overwhelmed by contradictory data points, quietly revert to gut instinct and historical bias.

— Ali Hoss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
My will is scattered, directed toward many contradictory things, and easily distracted.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of contradictory

Noun

The obverse of the coin will depict Sacagawea carrying her infant son Jean-Baptiste.

— Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 28 June 2026
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

Definition of obverse

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opposing

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Style

“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of opposite

adjective

noun

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Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Uncommon Opposites

Which Word Does Not Belong?

Words That are Their Own Opposites

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