contradictory
3 synonyms and 2 antonyms for contradictory, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Saying or implying the opposite of something else, so both can't be true.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
confounding
Antonyms
How to use contradictory
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
contradictory statements
contradictory evidence
seemingly contradictory
Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin contradictorius, from Latin contradico; built from contradict plus -ory.
Full origin of contradictory →Frequently asked questions
What does “contradictory” mean?
The word “contradictory” means saying or implying the opposite of something else, so both can't be true. In plain terms, directly conflicting with something else, so both cannot be true at once.
How do you pronounce “contradictory”?
“Contradictory” is pronounced kont-ruh-DIHKT-ree (/ˌkɑntɹəˈdɪktəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “contradictory” in a sentence?
Here is “contradictory” used in a sentence: “The two reports gave contradictory accounts of the accident.”
What is another word for “contradictory”?
Words with a similar meaning to “contradictory” include opposite.
What part of speech is “contradictory”?
“Contradictory” is an adjective.
Where does the word “contradictory” come from?
The word “contradictory” comes from Late Latin. Borrowed from Late Latin contradictorius, from Latin contradico; built from contradict plus -ory.
Is “contradictory” a common word?
“Contradictory” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
