Synonyms

contrarian

American

[kuhn-trair-ee-uhn] / kənˈtrɛər i ən /

noun

a person who takes an opposing view, especially one who rejects the majority opinion, as in economic matters.

contrarian British

/ kənˈtrɛərɪən /

noun

1. a contrary or obstinate person
2. ( as modifier )
  
  a contrarian investor
  contrarian instincts

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of contrarian

contr(ary) + -arian

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The firm called its Oracle upgrade a “contrarian bet” given the stock is, in its view, under-owned among investors.

From Barron's

Weiss built her brand at The Free Press as a contrarian voice fluent in the grievances of people who believe mainstream media has become too liberal.

From Salon

“You also can take the contrarian view and look to buy a quality company like Microsoft.”

From Barron's

The chief investment strategist for Bank of America Securities, Michael Hartnett, made his contrarian call on the long bond when the yield was hovering around 5% last summer.

From MarketWatch

These covers were a good contrarian indicator 68% of the time.

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023