as in contraries
something that is as different as possible from something else
no matter what I say, you insist on the opposite
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Recent Examples of opposites
His work demonstrates that scale and integrity are not opposites — that industrial reach does not require aesthetic compromise.
—
Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2026
Much like Malcolm and Eddie, Shawn and Marlon Williams were polar opposites, with one being straight laced and cool, while the other constantly created havoc.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Loosely inspired by real life best friends and therapists Pepper Schwartz and Janet Lever, the Lizer, Lynch and Sagal sitcom centers on Ginger (Sagal) and Jill (Lynch) who have always been a team as opposites that work best together.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Neptune’s supportive energy from your career sector reminds you that vulnerability and ambition are not opposites.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 18 Jan. 2026
The character traits of Matt and Davis are in many ways the opposites of the characters in their favorite novels (Matt is a Henry Miller devotee and Davis loves Raymond Carver).
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
The two men were polar opposites, but Fox knew how to talk to him.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
The rom-com is about best friends and polar opposites, Poppy and Alex.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Jan. 2026
To me, the best friends to hang out with are those that, despite our commonality, are opposites of me in some ways as well.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2026
Much like Malcolm and Eddie, Shawn and Marlon Williams were polar opposites, with one being straight laced and cool, while the other constantly created havoc.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Loosely inspired by real life best friends and therapists Pepper Schwartz and Janet Lever, the Lizer, Lynch and Sagal sitcom centers on Ginger (Sagal) and Jill (Lynch) who have always been a team as opposites that work best together.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Neptune’s supportive energy from your career sector reminds you that vulnerability and ambition are not opposites.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 18 Jan. 2026
The character traits of Matt and Davis are in many ways the opposites of the characters in their favorite novels (Matt is a Henry Miller devotee and Davis loves Raymond Carver).
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
The two men were polar opposites, but Fox knew how to talk to him.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
The rom-com is about best friends and polar opposites, Poppy and Alex.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Jan. 2026
To me, the best friends to hang out with are those that, despite our commonality, are opposites of me in some ways as well.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposites
reverses
Noun
-
Most of those came on reverses or other wide runs.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opposites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposites. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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