Contrary and Different

Contrary

Contrary adjective - Very opposed in nature or character or purpose.
Usage example: acts contrary to our code of ethics

Different is a synonym for contrary in opposite topic. In some cases you can use "Different" instead an adjective "Contrary", when it comes to topics like unlike.

Different

Different adjective - Unlike in nature, quality, form, or degree.
Usage example: different parts of the country

Contrary is a synonym for different in incompatible topic. You can use "Contrary" instead an adjective "Different", if it concerns topics such as unlike, dissimilar.

Both words in one sentence

  • And yet never at any point does Amber consider that her infatuation with him is any different, willfully ignoring all evidence to the contrary.
  • Contrary to what many Westerners might think, Japanese and Korean people do look different if you look closely enough.
  • But he isn't as cheap as Sol in that only his Volcanic Viper is enhanced (contrary to Sol getting buffs on Gun Flame and Bandit Revolver too.), and his supers are different.
    Source: Tropers / Wax
Cite this Source
Different and Contrary. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrary/different
Contrary & Different. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrary/different>.
Different or Contrary. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrary/different.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "contrary" and "different" have occurred on timeline