1. the quality or state of being contrary; a tendency to oppose or resist what others want or expect
Usage: uncountable; often used to describe stubborn or willful behavior
2. the quality of being opposite in nature or direction; contradiction or inconsistency
Usage: uncountable; less common than the first sense

Examples

• The child's contrariness made it difficult to get her to cooperate with the other students.
• His contrariness meant he would argue against any suggestion, no matter how reasonable.
• She displayed such contrariness that she refused to go to the party simply because everyone else wanted to attend.
• The contrariness of his statements—claiming both that he agreed and disagreed—confused the audience.
• Despite her parents' best efforts, the teenager's contrariness only grew stronger during adolescence.
• His natural contrariness made him question every rule and authority figure.
• The contrariness between his words and actions raised suspicions about his true intentions.