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Synonyms

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.


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.

He then posted another message, saying: “Jefferies is not promoting any shorting activity regarding any IPO. Any suggestion to the contrary is WRONG.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

And she adds: “The court’s apparently oblivious insistence to the contrary today cannot be squared with what Callais said on its face just over one month ago.”

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

Channel 4 says that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised, "prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time" adding it "strongly refutes any claim to the contrary".

From BBC • May 20, 2026

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

Jefferson’s version of the story to the contrary notwithstanding, what was going on here?

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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