contrary
adjective
opposite in nature or character; diametrically or mutually opposed.
contrariness
-
a word derived from
contrary.
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.
Scientist Alexandra, 32, refuses to download Max "out of contrariness" to its heavy-handed promotion.
From Barron's ● Mar. 23, 2026
The ground itself kicked this contrariness off, the opening punches met with a stunned, polite silence where we had been promised fervour that required riot police.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2023
And, freedom, exploration, and a little bemused contrariness.
From Salon ● Aug. 27, 2022
If we see neighbors doing things in a certain way, we might reject that behavior and do things differently out of sheer contrariness.
From Scientific American ● Feb. 28, 2022
My contrariness kept Char laughing, and his goodness kept me in love.
From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine
