contrariwise

UK: /ˈkɒntrərɪˌwaɪz/

US: /ˈkɑntrɛriˌwaɪz/

US: (kon′trer ē wīz′ or, for 3, kən trâr′-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

con•trar•i•wise /ˈkɑntrɛriˌwaɪz/   adv. 

1. in the opposite direction or way.
2. on the contrary;
   in direct opposition.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

con•trar•i•wise  (kon′trer ē wīz′ or, for 3, kən trâr′-), adv. 

1. in the opposite direction or way.
2. on the contrary;
   in direct opposition to a statement, attitude, etc.
3. perversely.

• Middle English contrary-wyse. See contrary, -wise 1300–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

contrariwise / ˈkɒntrərɪˌwaɪz/ adverb

1. from a contrasting point of view; on the other hand
2. in the reverse way or direction
3. / kənˈtrɛərɪˌwaɪz/ in a contrary manner