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

See Examples For:

to the contrary

But in June of last year, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled to the contrary.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

Did the nation’s history and traditions set up this double standard and “allow Idaho to compel this sacrifice”? Winmill observed that Seyb had produced significant evidence to the contrary.

From Slate ● Jun. 16, 2026

Javadli rejected the accusations and her Emirati legal team submitted evidence to the contrary in court.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

It cemented their status as the series favorites, giving their fans reason to believe that it might finally be New York’s year—despite a lifetime of evidence to the contrary.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026

I told her absolutely not—very much to the contrary, in fact.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger