to the contrary

Idioms  

1. To the opposite effect, in denial, as in No matter what they say to the contrary, I am positive that he was present. This idiom was first recorded in 1512. Also see on the contrary.

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Example Sentences

Americans didn’t actually land on the moon last week, despite some congratulations to the contrary, and Artemis II didn’t quite captivate the full attention of a country distracted by global strife and gas pumps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

“Any reporting to the contrary is false. We encourage people to consult trusted news sources, and to verify the accuracy of any reporting, before reflexively sharing or repeating baseless rumors.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Arguments to the contrary are overly cautious and pedantic.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

He genuinely believes he can change reality simply by relentlessly stating something as fact in the face of all evidence to the contrary.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

Yes, autumn had surely come when the hot-chestnut man appeared—no matter what the weather said to the contrary.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith