Collocations for "contrary"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "contrary" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
contrary
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.additional examples
- [suggested, indicated, implied] the contrary
- The [evidence, facts] proved the contrary.
- is the contrary of
- always argues the contrary
- prove the contrary of the [theory, argument, statement]
- but [accidentally, mistakenly] proved the contrary
- on the contrary, my [friend, dear]
- Ah, but to the contrary!
- whatever they [think, say, express] to the contrary
- unless [expressed] to the contrary
- [evidence, proof] to the contrary
- no reason to [believe, state] the contrary
- contrary to [popular belief, fact]
- contrary to what you [might, probably] believe
- giving contrary [advice, information]
- the [advice] [is, runs, goes] contrary to
- the evidence is contrary to
- is directly contrary to
- [acted, decided] contrary to her principles
- have a contrary opinion [on, about]
- a contrary view [of, on]
- [ran, flew, travelled] in contrary winds
- UK: the kids are always contrary
- UK: she is [quite, very, extremely] contrary
- UK: [don't be, stop being] so contrary!
- [suggested, indicated, implied] the contrary
- The [evidence, facts] proved the contrary.
- is the contrary of
- always argues the contrary
- prove the contrary of the [theory, argument, statement]
- but [accidentally, mistakenly] proved the contrary
- on the contrary, my [friend, dear]
- Ah, but to the contrary!
- whatever they [think, say, express] to the contrary
- unless [expressed] to the contrary
- [evidence, proof] to the contrary
- no reason to [believe, state] the contrary
'contrary' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):