How do you pronounce "contrary"?

In American English: /ˈkɑːntrɛri/ (KAHNTR-ehr-ee). In British English: /kˈɒntɹəɹi/ (K-ontr-uhr). In Canadian English: /ˈkɑːntrɛri/ (KAHNTR-ehr-ee). In Australian English: /kˈɒntɹəɹi/ (K-ontr-uhr).

Is "contrary" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈkɑːntrɛri/ (KAHNTR-ehr-ee), while in British English it's /kˈɒntɹəɹi/ (K-ontr-uhr).

How to Pronounce "contrary"

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contrary

regional

/ˈkɑːntrɛri/

KAHNTR-ehr-ee

Syllable Breakdown

kɑːntrcon·ɛrtr·iary

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14