Dictionary
antithetical
adjective an·ti·thet·i·cal \ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl\
: directly opposite or opposed
Full Definition of ANTITHETICAL
1
: constituting or marked by antithesis
2
: being in direct and unequivocal opposition
— an·ti·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See antithetical defined for English-language learners
Variants of ANTITHETICAL
an·ti·thet·i·cal also an·ti·thet·ic \-ˈthe-tik\
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First Known Use of ANTITHETICAL
1583
Related to ANTITHETICAL
- Synonyms
- antipodal, antipodean, opposite, contradictory, contrary, diametric (or diametrical), polar
- Antonyms
- noncontradictory
Synonym Discussion of ANTITHETICAL
opposite, contradictory, contrary, antithetical mean being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable. opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict <opposite views on foreign aid>. contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid <made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall>. contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition <contrary assessments of the war situation>. antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition <a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy>.
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Rhymes with ANTITHETICAL
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