antithetical

[ an-tuh-thet-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of the nature of or involving antithesis.
2. directly opposed or contrasted; opposite.

antithetical

/ ˌæntɪˈθɛtɪkəl /

adjective

1. of the nature of antithesis
2. directly contrasted

Other Words From

• anti·theti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antithetical¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Greek antithetikós “setting in opposition, contrasting” (from antíthetos “opposed”) + -al; antithesis ( def ), -tic ( def ), -al ¹( def ).

Example Sentences

Making the decision myself, and forcing the issue, was antithetical to his expectation that I continue to be a submissive wife.

From Salon

Of course she flips out sometimes – we all do - but "angry Kylie" is so antithetical to her public persona that it's hard to imagine.

From BBC

That view has always been antithetical to the civics purpose of television political debates, but we forgot that long ago, and certainly after candidates figured out how much being telegenic trumps honesty and platform positions.

From Salon

That is antithetical to free thinking and the democratic project in the classroom — a democratic culture.

From Salon

“Elon Musk has allowed antisemitism, racism, homophobia, transphobia to flood the platform and in a way that is antithetical to the values of San Francisco,” said Chiu, the city attorney of San Francisco.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contradictory