What Is Another Way to Say “On the Contrary”?

Looking for synonyms for on the contrary? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say on the contrary.

  • Conversely
  • However
  • Nonetheless
  • On the other hand
  • Instead
  • In contrast
  • Contrarily
  • Rather
  • Nevertheless
  • Yet
  • Actually
  • Oppositely
  • Differently
  • In opposition
  • To the contrary
  • By contrast
  • Contrariwise
  • Oppositely
  • Disagreeably
  • Contradictorily

Want to learn how to say on the contrary professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Conversely

Use “conversely” to introduce a statement that contrasts with or reverses something that has just been said.
Example: The old software was inefficient; conversely, the new version has significantly improved performance.

2. However

“However” is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.
Example: The project was challenging; however, the team managed to complete it on time.

3. Nonetheless

Use “nonetheless” to introduce a contrasting point that does not prevent the previous statement from being true.
Example: The market is volatile; nonetheless, we expect steady growth in our sector.

4. On the other hand

“On the other hand” introduces an alternate view or perspective to the preceding statement.
Example: The initial cost is high, but on the other hand, the long-term savings are substantial.

5. Instead

Use “instead” to propose an alternative to the previously mentioned idea.
Example: Instead of cutting costs, the company focused on increasing revenue streams.

6. In contrast

“In contrast” is used to highlight differences when comparing two things or situations.
Example: In contrast to the previous model, the new design is far more energy-efficient.

7. Contrarily

Use “contrarily” to introduce a statement that expresses the opposite of the previous one.
Example: Contrarily to popular belief, the new policy will actually reduce administrative work.

8. Rather

“Rather” can be used to introduce a statement that is surprising or unexpected in light of what was just said.
Example: The technology seemed outdated; rather, it proved to be highly effective.

9. Nevertheless

Use “nevertheless” to indicate that despite a preceding fact or argument, the following statement remains true.
Example: The conditions were unfavorable; nevertheless, the team achieved excellent results.

10. Yet

“Yet” is used to introduce a contrasting idea that diminishes or qualifies the statement made previously.
Example: The proposal was promising, yet it was ultimately rejected.

11. Actually

Use “actually” to introduce a fact or situation that is surprising or unexpected compared to what was previously thought.
Example: It was assumed the process would be lengthy; actually, it was completed in record time.

12. Oppositely

“Oppositely” introduces an idea or fact that is completely different from the previous one.
Example: The previous strategy was conservative; oppositely, the new approach is quite aggressive.

13. Differently

Use “differently” to show a variation or a different aspect of something mentioned before.
Example: Differently from the earlier version, the updated software offers more customization options.

14. In opposition

“In opposition” highlights a stance or idea that is directly contrary to the previously stated one.
Example: In opposition to the committee’s recommendation, the board decided to halt the project.

15. To the contrary

Use “to the contrary” to indicate that the following statement contradicts the previous one.
Example: Despite rumors to the contrary, the CEO confirmed that the company is not for sale.

16. By contrast

“By contrast” is used to draw a stark comparison between two things.
Example: By contrast with the previous quarter, our profits have significantly increased.

17. Contrariwise

Use “contrariwise” to introduce a statement that is the opposite of a previous one in a more formal or literary context.
Example: The expectation was for a decrease in sales; contrariwise, sales have increased.

18. Oppositely

“Oppositely” introduces an idea, fact, or situation that is completely different from what has been stated before.
Example: Oppositely to our expectations, the product was well-received in the market.

19. Disagreeably

Use “disagreeably” to introduce a contrasting and less pleasant or less agreeable fact.
Example: The plan seemed sound; disagreeably, it proved impractical in practice.

20. Contradictorily

“Contradictorily” is used to introduce a statement or fact that contradicts or goes against what was said before.
Example: Contradictorily to the initial reports, the investigation revealed no evidence of wrongdoing.

Linda Brown