contradictory

[ kon-truh-dik-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. asserting the contrary or opposite; contradicting; inconsistent; logically opposite:

   contradictory statements.

   Synonyms: paradoxical, irreconcilable

2. tending or inclined to contradict.

noun

, plural con·tra·dic·to·ries.

1. Logic. a proposition so related to a second that it is impossible for both to be true or both to be false.

contradictory

/ ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktərɪ /

adjective

1. inconsistent; incompatible
2. given to argument and contention

   a contradictory person

3. logic (of a pair of statements) unable both to be true or both to be false under the same circumstances Compare contrary subcontrary

noun

1. logic a statement that cannot be true when a given statement is true or false when it is false

Derived Forms

• ˌcontraˈdictorily, adverb
• ˌcontraˈdictoriness, noun

Other Words From

• contra·dicto·ri·ly adverb
• contra·dicto·ri·ness noun
• inter·contra·dicto·ry adjective
• noncon·tra·dicto·ry adjective noun plural noncontradictories
• uncon·tra·dicto·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contradictory¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin contrādictōrius; equivalent to contradict + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

“Mr Huckabee has said things that are absolutely contradictory to international law,” says Mustafa Barghouti, a West Bank-based Palestinian politician.

From BBC

But these two desires—for reproductive freedom and another Trump term—are fundamentally contradictory.

From Slate

But Trump’s contradictory claims — including criticizing Taiwan’s semiconductor industry for taking American jobs and declaring that the island democracy should pay for U.S. protection — have turned some against him.

From Los Angeles Times

Chadwick's readiness to look past Trump's views on tariffs is a sign of the contradictory impulses shaping American politics.

From BBC

“It may be said by one expert, but I have other experts that have a completely contradictory view,” Mr McDonald said.

From BBC

Related Words

• antithetical
• conflicting
• contrary
• incompatible
• inconsistent
• paradoxical