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

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

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

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

Mother passed this story on to me, and I was secretly amazed that Peter, who’d been so angry at Dussel, had humbled himself, despite all his assurances to the contrary.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank