antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl How to pronounce antithetical (audio)
Definition of antitheticalnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, 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 might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical 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 antithetical Even those whose ideas of how a democracy works are antithetical to America’s are more competent and statesmanlike than Trump. —Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 And the seemingly antithetical logline is delightfully accurate. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025 The whole ethos and functionality just runs antithetical to my existence. —Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025 These statements appear antithetical to the belief system championed by Netflix. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antithetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antithetical
  1. contradictory
  2. contrary
  3. opposite
Adjective
  • The wants of the electorate are contradictory and rooted in base emotions rather than rational thought.
    — Steven Hyden, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Other federal workers received contradictory guidance.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of contradictory
Adjective
  • While bullishness indicates positive views on the market, it can also be seen as a contrary indicator when there are signs of excess.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Clueless owner allows manipulative, conniving GM to convince him, in the face of mountains of contrary evidence, that the head coach is the problem.
    — Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Definition of contrary
Adjective
  • Forcing their relationship will most likely end up having the opposite results.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Education bills in the Indiana Statehouse drew scrutiny and controversy as the surviving bills head to the opposite chamber as the budget session reaches its halfway mark.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of opposite

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Cite this Entry

“Antithetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antithetical. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of antithetical for Spanish Speakers

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