contradictory

[kon-truh-dik-tuh-ree]

adjective

1. asserting the contrary or opposite; contradicting; inconsistent; logically opposite.

   contradictory statements.

   Synonyms: paradoxical, irreconcilable

2. tending or inclined to contradict.

noun

plural

contradictories 

1. Logic.,  a proposition so related to a second that it is impossible for both to be true or both to be false.

contradictory

/ ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktərɪ /

adjective

1. inconsistent; incompatible

2. given to argument and contention

   a contradictory person

3. logic (of a pair of statements) unable both to be true or both to be false under the same circumstances Compare contrary subcontrary

noun

1. logic a statement that cannot be true when a given statement is true or false when it is false

Other Word Forms

• contradictorily adverb
• contradictoriness noun
• intercontradictory adjective
• noncontradictory adjective
• uncontradictory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contradictory¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin contrādictōrius; equivalent to contradict + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

As ever in politics two things that might appear to be contradictory are in fact, both true.

From BBC

He said they gave him instructions to move that were contradictory.

From Los Angeles Times

His insight doesn’t come from trying to explain or simplify complex experiences but from allowing them to be as layered and contradictory as they truly are.

From Los Angeles Times

Federal law is somewhat contradictory in how far it will go to apply democratic ideals of openness and transparency to nonprofit activity.

From Salon

Some experts have noted that the guidance is contradictory, given that the CDC also says people who are at risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19 should get vaccinated — and pregnant women are.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antithetical 
• conflicting 
• contrary 
• incompatible 
• inconsistent 
• paradoxical