the contrary
noun
: an opposite or different fact, event, or situation
He was sure his sister had made a mistake, but the contrary was true: she was right and he was wrong.
Examples of the contrary in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On the contrary, the Derby approached Woodford’s parent company, Brown-Forman (which also owns brands like Jack Daniel’s and Old Forester), about the opportunity.
—
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026
After downplaying the prospect of a new album in recent interviews, Grande began posting hints to the contrary in March, like a flower emoji in her Instagram bio.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
When bumbling village policeman Derry (an endearing Nicholas Braun) dismisses any suspicion of foul play despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, it’s left to the sheep to prove otherwise — despite no ability to converse with their human counterparts beyond Lassie-style leading and hinting.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
This includes maintaining accurate voter rolls, which, despite the noise to the contrary, states have historically done very well.
—John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the contrary
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Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026
After downplaying the prospect of a new album in recent interviews, Grande began posting hints to the contrary in March, like a flower emoji in her Instagram bio.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
When bumbling village policeman Derry (an endearing Nicholas Braun) dismisses any suspicion of foul play despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, it’s left to the sheep to prove otherwise — despite no ability to converse with their human counterparts beyond Lassie-style leading and hinting.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
This includes maintaining accurate voter rolls, which, despite the noise to the contrary, states have historically done very well.
—John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the contrary
Cite this Entry
“The contrary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20contrary. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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