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 next

as in contradictory

being as different as possible those two are fundamentally opposite—she being loquacious and outgoing where he is quiet and reserved

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonym Chooser

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

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Recent Examples of opposite

Adjective

The Lakers and Mavericks completed the move on Sunday, with Anthony Davis moving in the opposite direction as part of a three-team trade with the Utah Jazz. —

Jamie Barton, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025 Carli Lloyd and Hope Solo are returning to the pitch — this time on opposite sides at this summer’s The Soccer Tournament. —

Emily Olsen, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025

Noun

In the latter two categories, Chicago’s 2024 scheme was the opposite of Johnson’s: Chicago's league-high 68 sacks tell me Williams would surely welcome a similar retailoring. —

Jacob Robinson, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 While some on social media may claim that beef tallow helped clear up their acne, take it from this journalist who saw the opposite. —

Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for opposite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite

Adjective

Image These clearly stated goals, plus the vague and in some cases contradictory guidance, left plenty of federal workers skeptical that anything, including the resignation offer, was being done in their best interests.

— Campbell Robertson, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025
Environmentalists consider those positions contradictory and urged a vote against Wright for his previous comments questioning climate change.

— John Frank, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025