Synonyms of opposite

opposite 1 of 2

adjective

ˈä-pə-zət 

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

• contradictory
• contrary
• antithetical
• polar
• unfavorable
• diametric
• negative
• antipodal
• divergent
• hostile
• adverse
• antagonistic
• unlike
• counter
• antipodean
• reverse
• cross
• dissimilar
• inverse
• alien
• antipathetic
• obverse
• disparate
• converse
• unalike

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• same
• like
• analogous
• identical
• noncontradictory
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

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

• contrary
• reverse
• obverse
• antithesis
• negative
• counter
• converse
• antipode
• negation
• inverse
• counterpoint
• antonym
• mirror image

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• synonym
• counterpart
• analogue
• duplicate
• copy
• replica
• carbon copy

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

Recent Examples of opposite

Adjective

The North by Northwest actress starred opposite several generations of classic movie leading men in various films and TV projects, including Bob Hope, Montgomery Clift, Warren Beatty, Richard Burton, Gregory Peck, and Tom Hanks. — Gary Susman, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026

But things are moving in the opposite direction, writes Kent Sepkowitz in a new First Opinion. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026

Noun

That was during a three-year La Niña — the opposite of El Niño — when Pacific Ocean temperatures were unusually cold. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Very deep or uncomfortable pressure can do the opposite and push the body into a fight-or-flight response. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026