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

If your hair isn’t naturally wavy, use a curling iron to add waves, wrapping sections around the iron in opposite directions for a less polished look. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2026 In the acting world, Justice filmed the horror movie Send a Scare, opposite Robbie Amell, which was directed by Josh Trank (Chronicle, Fantastic Four), who co-wrote the script with Andrew Ryan. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026

Noun

The opposite is also true as bond prices and yields move inversely to one and othter. — Kevin Stankiewicz,jeff Marks, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026 The therapy relevant here focuses on relaxing the muscles, not strengthening them, which is the opposite of what most patients associate with pelvic floor work. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opposite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite

Adjective

Multiple companies now offer products that promise to spot the difference, with often contradictory, biased or erratic results.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Once a false or contradictory version starts moving, a company is no longer explaining what happened.

— Ronn Torossian, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of contradictory

Noun

Heated grips come as standard, while a reversible gearshift mechanism allows riders to switch to a race-style reverse shifting pattern for circuit use.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel took the ball from quarterback Brock Purdy but then flipped it to Jacob Cowing on a reverse.

— Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of reverse

Noun

The tension between intellectual certainty and its corporeal obverse is the novel’s most interesting possibility, yet its campus plot repeatedly narrows into a question of who deserves our sympathy.

— Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Only one thing gave Ruiz the kind of consolation that was truly the obverse of his physical pains, and that was the sacred figure of the Virgin Mary.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of obverse

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opposing

opposite

oppositely

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Style

“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of opposite

adjective

noun

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