on the contrary
4 synonyms for on the contrary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Phrase — Used to reject what has just been said and assert the opposite. It signals not merely disagreement but that the truth runs the other way.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
quite the opposite
far from it
quite the reverse
au contraire
How to use on the contrary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
on the contrary, however
quite the contrary
evidence to the contrary
Slightly formal; common in writing, debate and argument. Usually followed by a comma.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between on the contrary and in contrast?
On the contrary contradicts a statement — it says the previous claim is wrong and the opposite is true. In contrast simply sets two different things side by side without denying anything: 'Sales rose in the north; in contrast, they fell in the south.'
What is the difference between on the contrary and on the other hand?
On the other hand introduces a second, balancing point that can be true at the same time. On the contrary cancels the first point outright. If both ideas can stand together, you want on the other hand.
Can you say 'in the contrary'?
No. The fixed form is on the contrary. 'To the contrary' also exists, but it works differently — it follows a noun, as in 'evidence to the contrary'.
