contrarian

[ kuhn-trair-ee-uhn ]

/ kənˈtrɛər i ən /

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noun

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

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of contrarian

contr(ary) + -arian

Words nearby contrarian

contrapositive, contrapposto, contraption, contrapuntal, contrapuntist, contrarian, contrariety, contrarily, contrarious, contrariwise, contrary

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use contrarian in a sentence

Most of my contrarian views from the 1980s are now kind of broadly accepted.
AI pioneer Geoff Hinton: “Deep learning is going to be able to do everything”|Karen Hao|November 3, 2020|MIT Technology Review
Cheney credibly demonstrates that the contrarian Congressman Randolph fed Monroe’s jealousy of the coequal relationship Madison enjoyed with Jefferson.
Four presidents who put Virginia’s stamp on early America|Andrew Burstein|October 30, 2020|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.
Climate science contrarian installed in upper-level NOAA position|Scott K. Johnson|September 16, 2020|Ars Technica
It’s somewhat of contrarian stance given most advertisers who buy ads on Amazon also sell products there.
‘Amazon is a brand play for us’: How Buick is building a long-term partnership around Amazon’s ad business|Seb Joseph|September 10, 2020|Digiday

His willingness to be a contrarian has manifested itself in other areas of his life.
When Baker Mayfield Was a Walk-On|Nick Fouriezos|August 14, 2020|Ozy
Instead of decorating every face on the street, Google Glass hit a contrarian rip tide.
You Were Wrong About Miley & Bitcoin: 2014’s Failed Predictions|Nina Strochlic|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Two male journalists, one conservative and one contrarian, were to debate abortion at Oxford University earlier this week.
Feminism Has Gone Too Far|Lizzie Crocker|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sen. Rand Paul, however, resisted gushing--in keeping with his contrarian brand.
Kissy-Face The Nation: Washington’s Power Elite Smooch Bob Schieffer|Lloyd Grove|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Taylor also said the contrarian nature of the study will likely bring added attention to a field still very much being charted.
Playing Violent Video Games Makes You a Better Person, Study Says|Kevin Zawacki|July 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sometimes Christopher is called a “contrarian,” but I never thought that label was right.
My Friend and Mentor, Christopher Hitchens|Eli Lake|December 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Immo contrarian., ni fallor, Christiana antiquitas tenuit doctrinam.
The History of Freedom|John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton

British Dictionary definitions for contrarian

contrarian

/ (kənˈtrɛərɪən) /

noun

a contrary or obstinate person
(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

contrarian

Origin of contrarian

Words nearby contrarian

Words related to contrarian

How to use contrarian in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for contrarian