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

As investors moved away from data center plays, software once again is moving in the opposite direction, with beleaguered software names like Salesforce and Microsoft benefiting. —

Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 July 2026 CoRoT 2b defies this expectation too, possessing a hotspot in the opposite direction of its orbit. —

Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 July 2026

Noun

The leaders who build the strongest remote teams do the opposite. —

Braden Yuill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Grassroots leaders and residents pressured council to do the opposite. —

Nick Sullivan july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for opposite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite

Adjective

Decision-makers, overwhelmed by contradictory data points, quietly revert to gut instinct and historical bias.

— Ali Hoss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
My will is scattered, directed toward many contradictory things, and easily distracted.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of contradictory

Noun

The obverse of the coin will depict Sacagawea carrying her infant son Jean-Baptiste.

— Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images New designs on the obverse and reverse of the 2026 dime, quarter and half dollar coins will be minted throughout the year to celebrate 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025