
Contrary
Expect Unexpected
Use 'contrary' when outcomes are different from what was thought or intended.

He was smiling, contrary to her expectations of anger.
Cultural Expressions
'Contrary to popular belief' is a common phrase to introduce a widely held misconception.

Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind.
Emphasizing Error
To stress that a belief or opinion is incorrect, start with 'contrary to'.

Contrary to your claim, the data does not support your conclusion.
Compare with
AdverseAntitheticalConflictCounterDivergentIncompatibleOppositeReverse
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