as in contradictory
being as different as possible
spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 antithetical
The weather was antithetical to offensive football in the divisional round and AFC Championship Game.
—
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Winnicott argued that these cultural and psychological demands could actually harm children, making the pursuit of the ideal mother antithetical to raising healthy, resilient kids.
—Danielle Marie Holland, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
To be fueled by anything external, though, would be antithetical to Macdonald’s messaging and the team’s collective mindset.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Decision makers also could consider how diversity can be a component of merit, rather than antithetical to or independent of it.
—Kenji Yoshino, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antithetical
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Winnicott argued that these cultural and psychological demands could actually harm children, making the pursuit of the ideal mother antithetical to raising healthy, resilient kids.
—Danielle Marie Holland, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
To be fueled by anything external, though, would be antithetical to Macdonald’s messaging and the team’s collective mindset.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Decision makers also could consider how diversity can be a component of merit, rather than antithetical to or independent of it.
—Kenji Yoshino, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antithetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antithetical
Adjective
-
Which may make his initial approach seem a bit contradictory to the expectation.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The high court typically weighs in on cases where multiple judicial circuits have contradictory rulings on the same matter, but Bill Shipley, a former federal prosecutor, believes the justices could take up the case before such a split among the appeals courts.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
However, taking high doses of zinc for a long time can have the opposite effect, weakening immunity.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Kodjoe made his Broadway debut in the 2008 revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, opposite James Earl Jones.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
His couplets—stitched together by a rhyme—typically saunter in contrary directions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The video of the incident, now seen across the world and studied by non-partisan law enforcement experts, provides contrary evidence.—
Ken Molestina,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antithetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antithetical. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
