contrarian

[ kuhn-trair-ee-uhn ]

noun

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

contrarian

/ kənˈtrɛərɪən /

noun

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

      contrarian instincts

      a contrarian investor

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrarian¹

contr(ary) + -arian

Example Sentences

Most of my contrarian views from the 1980s are now kind of broadly accepted.

From MIT Technology Review

Cheney credibly demonstrates that the contrarian Congressman Randolph fed Monroe’s jealousy of the coequal relationship Madison enjoyed with Jefferson.

From Washington Post

Joining NOAA as the “Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction” is University of Delaware Professor David Legates—a well-known contrarian who rejects the science of human-caused climate change.

From Ars Technica

It’s somewhat of contrarian stance given most advertisers who buy ads on Amazon also sell products there.

From Digiday

His willingness to be a contrarian has manifested itself in other areas of his life.

From Ozy

Instead of decorating every face on the street, Google Glass hit a contrarian rip tide.

From The Daily Beast

Two male journalists, one conservative and one contrarian, were to debate abortion at Oxford University earlier this week.

From The Daily Beast

Sen. Rand Paul, however, resisted gushing--in keeping with his contrarian brand.

From The Daily Beast

Taylor also said the contrarian nature of the study will likely bring added attention to a field still very much being charted.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes Christopher is called a “contrarian,” but I never thought that label was right.

From The Daily Beast

Immo contrarian., ni fallor, Christiana antiquitas tenuit doctrinam.

From Project Gutenberg