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 Understanding the science of how trauma affects memory and behavior reveals why these responses can actually be expected and are not contradictory. — Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026 The senators also noted that grants were canceled out of the blue with form letters, which had contradictory explanations and incorrect citations. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026 LLMs predict plausible answers, and when the signal about your product is weak, outdated or contradictory, the model fills the gap, sometimes incorrectly. — Lauren Livak Gilbert, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 While nuance and 21st century thinking are about as complementary as the ingredients in a serving of lobster ice cream, two seemingly contradictory statements can still be true at the same exact time. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contradictory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradictory
  1. opposite
  2. contrary
Adjective
  • Her husband, Bobby Lane, was driving Otwell and their two children from their Wilmar home to the Walmart in Monticello when an Arkansas State Police cruiser coming the opposite direction began behaving erratically.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Maine’s senators, from opposite parties, agree Maine’s congressional delegation has been unusually unified for a state represented by one Republican and one independent who caucuses with Democrats.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 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 2 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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