1. the practice or tendency to oppose or reject prevailing opinions, trends, or established views, often as a matter of principle or strategy.
Usage: often used in political, social, or intellectual contexts; can be neutral or critical depending on context
2. in investing and finance, a strategy of buying or selling assets that go against current market sentiment or popular investment trends.
Usage: finance and investment context

Examples

• Her contrarianism led her to question every assumption the team had made.
• The philosopher's contrarianism was rooted in a genuine desire to find truth, not just to be difficult.
• Some investors practice contrarianism by buying stocks when everyone else is selling.
• His contrarianism in politics made him unpopular with both major parties.
• The artist's contrarianism pushed her to reject commercial success in favor of experimental work.
• Contrarianism without substance is just stubbornness.