Contrarian

usgb/kənˈtreriən/
noun

Someone who opposes or rejects popular opinion or current practices.

Being a contrarian, John always finds himself arguing against popular views in conversations.
Visual representation of "contrarian" - Someone who opposes or rejects popular opinion or current practices.

Often appears as...

  • contrarian thinking
  • contrarian investor

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "contrarian"
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Critical Stance

Often implies a person takes a skeptical view of the general consensus.

Illustration for Critical Stance
Despite its popularity, he took a contrarian stance on the issue.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Debate Usage

Useful in discussions to show you understand all sides of an argument.

Illustration for Debate Usage
She played the contrarian to challenge the team's assumptions.
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Not Always Negative

Contrarians can be positive, often bringing new ideas where others follow the crowd.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
His contrarian approach solved the problem when traditional methods failed.
Word comparison image

Compare with

dissenterhereticiconoclastindependentindividualmavericknonconformancerebel
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Visual representation of the word "Contrarian"

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