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

It’s still controversial in some circles, as was seen in the recent election, when politicians made often contradictory pronouncements about it.

From New York Times

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

President Trump has a record of saying outrageous, contradictory and untrue things.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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