antithetical to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "antithetical to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is the opposite or contrary to something else. Example: The government's actions were antithetical to the values of democracy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is democracy antithetical to religion?

The New York Times

Thoughts antithetical to desires?

The Guardian

"This was antithetical to everything they do.

The New Yorker

And "antithetical to a free society".

The New York Times

Capitalist values are antithetical to Christian ones.

The New York Times

The chairs are slender, antithetical to lounging.

The New York Times - Food

For Naím, micropowers are antithetical to megaplayers.

The Guardian

The words seem antithetical to Mr. Naipaul.

The New York Times - Books

It is antithetical to civilized society.

The New York Times

Profiteering is fundamentally antithetical to who they are.

The New York Times

Capitalist values are also antithetical to democratic ones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "antithetical to", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined, providing a solid foundation for the stated opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "antithetical to" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is more suited for formal and academic contexts where precise language is valued. Using it inappropriately can sound pretentious or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "antithetical to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating opposition or contradiction. It connects two elements, asserting that they are fundamentally incompatible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and commonly used, particularly in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "antithetical to" is a frequently used prepositional phrase that conveys a strong sense of opposition or contradiction. It is best suited for formal contexts, such as academic writing, news reporting, and professional communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While effective for emphasizing contrast, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives like "contrary to" or "opposed to" may be more appropriate in casual conversation. Remember, while the phrase is widely accepted and understood, its formality should align with the intended audience and context to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to

Indicates a direct opposition or contradiction, similar to "antithetical to".

opposed to

Suggests resistance or disagreement, closely related to being "antithetical to".

incompatible with

Highlights the inability of two things to coexist or be consistent, mirroring the incompatibility implied by "antithetical to".

at odds with

Emphasizes a state of conflict or disagreement, similar to the contradiction implied by "antithetical to".

in opposition to

States a direct contrast or resistance, closely resembling the meaning of "antithetical to".

diametrically opposed to

Highlights a complete and extreme opposition, intensifying the meaning of "antithetical to".

in direct contrast to

Stresses the clear and distinct opposition, similar to the explicit contradiction conveyed by "antithetical to".

conflicting with

Indicates a clash or disagreement, mirroring the incompatibility implied by "antithetical to".

irreconcilable with

Emphasizes the impossibility of harmonizing or resolving differences, similar to the irreconcilability implied by "antithetical to".

adverse to

Implies an opposing or unfavorable stance, similar to the negative connotation of "antithetical to".

FAQs

How can I use "antithetical to" in a sentence?

Use "antithetical to" to indicate a direct opposition or contradiction between two things. For example, "The dictator's policies were "contrary to" the principles of democracy".

What does "antithetical to" mean?

The phrase "antithetical to" means directly opposed to, contrary to, or incompatible with something. It suggests a fundamental contradiction.

What are some alternatives to saying "antithetical to"?

You can use phrases like "opposed to", "contrary to", "incompatible with", or "at odds with" as alternatives to "antithetical to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "antithetical to" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "antithetical to" is relatively formal and may sound out of place in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "opposite to" or "against" in informal settings.