English Dictionary
Definition of “contradictory”
contradictory (ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktərɪ
)
Definitions
adjective
- inconsistent; incompatible
- given to argument and contention ⇒
a contradictory person
- logic (of a pair of statements) unable both to be true or both to be false under the same circumstances Compare contrary (sense 5)
, subcontrary (sense 1)
noun
- logic a statement that cannot be true when a given statement is true or false when it is false
Alternative Forms
ˌcontraˈdictorily adverb ˌcontraˈdictoriness noun
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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inconsistent,
conflicting,
opposed,
opposite,
contrary,
incompatible,
paradoxical,
irreconcilable,
antithetical,
discrepant,
Usage examples
But it was hard to keep a grip on himself when his head was splitting with contradictory messages.
Val McDermid, THE LAST TEMPTATION (2002)Every day there seem to be further clashing interpretations and contradictory claims about America's war talk.
Spiked (2002)The Youth Court trial of the 16-year-old boy yesterday was filled with contradictory testimony.
Globe and Mail (2003)Last night Scotland Yard said: "We can confirm two males have made contradictory allegations of common assault against each other.
Sun, News of the World (2002)It's a clear and simple message, uncomplicated by any possibly contradictory subtext or disclaimer.
Joanna Blythman, SHOPPED: The Shocking Power of British Supermarkets (2004)
