- 1contrary to something different from something; against something Contrary to popular belief, many cats dislike milk. The government has decided that the publication of the report would be “contrary to the public interest.” Contrary to expectations and the weather forecast, we had a fine day for the experiment.
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- 2[only before noun] completely different in nature or direction synonym opposite contrary advice/opinions/arguments The contrary view is that prison provides an excellent education—in crime.
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