contrary to

preposition

Synonyms of contrary tonext
: in conflict with : despite
Contrary to orders, he set out alone.

Examples of contrary to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Moriarty added that, contrary to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) press release a day after the shooting on January 15, Castro was not hit with any shovels, brooms, or weapons of any kind at any time, as the federal agency described. Terry Collins, USA Today, 18 May 2026 Recommendations were made contrary to the advice of federal scientists and the medical and public health community. Jesse L. Goodman, STAT, 18 May 2026 Hopefully through this personal interaction, students will learn writing and reading are not done in isolation and contrary to the hype of AI, can’t be done robotically by a human or otherwise. Matt Boedy, AJC.com, 18 May 2026 But contrary to popular belief, the cake was never actually served at the Watergate Hotel. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrary to

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrary to was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Contrary to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrary%20to. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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