We all know somebody who likes to take the opposite view to you for the sake of it. Even if they don’t disagree with you, they will tell you they do just to start an argument of sorts. This article will explore some good words to use for these people.
The preferred words are “contrarian,” “antagonistic,” and “defiant.” These can be used to show that someone always looks for the opposite view. They will often look for arguments that they can throw at people to give the opposite view of what the other person believes in.
Contrarian
“Contrarian” is a good word that shows that someone likes to contradict the ideas of other people. You can use this to show that someone likes to disagree with other opinions, even if the opposite opinion of the contrarian is unpopular.
The definition of “contrarian,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “someone such as a writer or politician who likes to disagree with other people and express opinions that are unpopular.”
- I get it. You’re a contrarian. I understand that you like to share opposite opinions, but it gets a bit grating after a while.
- Can’t you just agree with me for one moment? You don’t have to be a contrarian every single day of your life!
- I’m not a contrarian, but I totally see where the other views are coming from. I get why they’re mad at you.
Antagonistic
“Antagonistic” is a great synonym for this situation. It shows that someone is opposed or unfriendly toward you. If you share an opinion and someone deliberately decides to argue with you about it, they might be antagonistic toward you.
The definition of “antagonistic,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “actively opposing or showing unfriendliness towards something or someone.”
- Please, stop being so antagonistic. There’s no need for it. I’m not raising my voice at all, but you’re arguing with me still.
- I didn’t realize you were going to be so antagonistic about all of this. I’m not sure what you want from me, but I won’t change my mind.
- She’ll come in as a very antagonistic candidate. You’ll need to be ready for the arguments she presents.
Defiant
“Defiant” is a great way to show that someone is proud to have an opposing view. It relates to disobeying or going against the beliefs of figures in authority. It can also work when someone is arguing with you and proud to go against your own ideas.
The definition of “defiant,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “proudly refusing to obey authority.”
- You always come across as so defiant. Why do you find so much joy in bringing down the opinions of those around you?
- I’m not trying to be defiant, though I do think you’re all being a bit strange believing in these things. You should believe in what I do.
- They’re both being so defiant. It’s making it so difficult for me to come up with anything good to say to them about their lives.
Combative
“Combative” works well to show that someone is keen to argue. They will often look for opposing views to ones that you might have to show that they’re ready to argue with you.
Most combative people are quick to come up with good arguments. You’ll want to make sure you’re ready before tackling one.
The definition of “combative,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “eager to fight or argue.”
- She’s a bit too combative most of the time. Honestly, it can be tricky to have a meaningful conversation with her like that.
- I thought you were a bit combative, but we need that kind of energy in the debate team. That’s why you’ve made the cut.
- He was quite combative, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to argue with you about the same thing. He raised some valid points.
Devil’s Advocate
“Devil’s advocate” is an interesting choice. It means that someone is picking the opposite view to argue with you. However, they often do so to help you out rather than go against you.
Figuring out the reasons behind opposing views is a good way to come up with other reasons why you don’t believe in them. That’s why a “devil’s advocate” can be beneficial, as they’ll give you constructive reasons for their beliefs that you can argue.
The definition of “devil’s advocate,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “someone who supports an opposite argument or one that is not popular in order to make people think seriously.”
- Michael is acting as the devil’s advocate. He’s quite good at taking on that role when we need to create an opposing view.
- I thought I made a good devil’s advocate because of how angry everybody got toward me. I’ll happily do that again.
- I hate to play devil’s advocate right now, but I think there are a few things you should all be doing to change this.
Contentious
“Contentious” shows that someone likes to disagree in some way. They will often try to cause arguments with people or join in with ones that have already started just to try and spice things up.
The definition of “contentious,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “causing, involving, or likely to cause disagreement and argument.”
- I hate to sound contentious, but I really don’t see the point in doing these things the way you’re doing them.
- I know you’re being contentious, which is why I’m trying not to sink to your level. I don’t want people to see us fighting.
- She’s far too contentious for the people in that place. They don’t know what they’re supposed to say to her.
Individualist
“Individualist” works well to show that someone is set in their own ways. It means that a person has different or original thoughts that belong to them. Nobody else has the same thoughts or opinions.
While an individualist doesn’t outright seek to disagree with other people’s views, it tends to work out that way. Since their views are unique and individual, an individualist will only ever have their own view rather than accepting other people’s.
The definition of “individualist,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person who is different and original in his or her thoughts and actions.”
- He’s a wayward individualist. You won’t be able to convince him to agree with you if he’s already got his views set in his own eyes.
- I am an individualist. I believe in the things I believe in. I’m sorry if that goes against whatever you might believe in. That’s just me.
- You’re going to have to agree with me on something. I get that you’re an individualist, but you can’t always disagree with me.
Iconoclast
“Iconoclast” is a great word to show that someone goes against the general opinions or beliefs of the people around them. It’s a more general term that refers to a person who refuses to share the same views as society rather than just individual people.
The definition of “iconoclast,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person who strongly opposes generally accepted beliefs and traditions.”
- I’m an iconoclast through and through. I don’t see why people do things the way they do. It’s time for us to change our ways.
- She’s an iconoclast, and she won’t ever buy into the same traditions that we do. It’s annoying, but you’ll learn to love her.
- I get that you’re an iconoclast, but it would at least be respectful if you could just try and do something to support us.
Hostile
“Hostile” is a good word if someone deliberately chooses to be argumentative. If they only ever take the opposite view because they like to get a negative response out of you, they might be “hostile” and thrive off the energy.
The definition of “hostile,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “unfriendly and not liking something.”
- You’re very hostile, and it can make it difficult for the people around you to trust you. They don’t seem to want to share anything.
- Stop being so hostile. You might be surprised how many more people will start to talk to you again when you stop arguing.
- I’m very hostile about these kinds of things. I just like to keep people on their toes when it comes to speaking with me.
Averse
“Averse” is a good way to share your thoughts and feelings. It always shows that you strongly dislike something or are against it. You can use it against specific people’s thoughts and views as well if you would like to share a directly opposing view.
The definition of “averse,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “strongly disliking or opposed to.”
- I am very much averse to the ideas you’re presenting. I think there are better ways for us to go about learning the truth here.
- She’s quite averse in most ways. I think you’re going to have a hard time convincing her to agree with you in any capacity.
- Why do you always act so averse to everything I say and do? It’s quite hard for me not to take it personally when you do that.
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