Useful contrasts to Parallel include Perpendicular, Intersecting, Converging and Diverging. These choices reflect lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond; they are contextual contrasts rather than perfect opposites in every sentence.
Choose the Contrast by Geometric or Figurative Sense
Quick options:
- Perpendicular
- Intersecting
- Converging
- Diverging
- Skew
- Nonparallel
- Angled
- Crossing
- Dissimilar
- Unrelated
- Contrasting
- Divergent
- Unequal
- Asymmetrical
- Inconsistent
- Different
Perpendicular
The term “Perpendicular” works as a counterpoint to “Parallel” in sentences about lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: An editor might choose “Perpendicular” when reversing the sense of “Parallel” in a passage about lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Intersecting
“Intersecting” can express the reverse direction from “Parallel” when the issue is lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: For a context centred on lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond, “Intersecting” can move the meaning in the opposite direction from “Parallel”.
Converging
Use “Converging” as a contrast where “Parallel” points toward lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: A contrastive sentence may use “Converging” where “Parallel” would otherwise express lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Diverging
“Diverging” is most accurate as an opposite when the sentence is really about lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: When the relevant sense of “Parallel” is lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond, “Diverging” can provide the opposing wording.
Skew
Choose “Skew” when “Parallel” needs to be countered in a context centred on lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: In editing, “Skew” is a plausible contrast when “Parallel” is being used for lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Nonparallel
“Nonparallel” can mark a useful contrast to “Parallel” where the relevant meaning is lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: A writer can set “Nonparallel” against “Parallel” when the sentence turns on lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Angled
The wording “Angled” is appropriate as a contrast when lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond is the sense being reversed.
Example: Where “Parallel” carries the idea of lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond, “Angled” can mark a useful reversal of meaning.
Crossing
“Crossing” can contrast with “Parallel” when the relevant sense involves lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: The wording “Crossing” works as a contrast when the surrounding context involves lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Dissimilar
Use “Dissimilar” as an opposite to “Parallel” where the context is about lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: A sentence opposing “Parallel” may use “Dissimilar” if the intended issue is lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Unrelated
“Unrelated” moves away from “Parallel” most clearly in contexts involving lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: For the sense of “Parallel” connected with lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond, “Unrelated” can sit on the other side of the contrast.
Contrasting
Choose “Contrasting” when the sentence needs a contrast to the sense of “Parallel” connected with lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: An editor could use “Contrasting” to oppose “Parallel” in writing concerned with lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Divergent
“Divergent” provides a contextual opposite where “Parallel” refers to lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: When a sentence needs the reverse of “Parallel” in the sense of lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond, “Divergent” is one option.
Unequal
The contrast with “Parallel” is strongest when “Unequal” is used in a context about lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: The term “Unequal” can create a clear contrast with “Parallel” when the topic is lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Asymmetrical
“Asymmetrical” can sit on the other side of “Parallel” when the intended meaning involves lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: In a passage about lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond, “Asymmetrical” may be a better opposing choice than a looser antonym.
Inconsistent
Use “Inconsistent” where the sentence reverses the sense of “Parallel” associated with lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: A writer might pair “Inconsistent” against “Parallel” when lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond is the meaning being reversed.
Different
“Different” is a useful counterpoint to “Parallel” in writing concerned with lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond.
Example: For a sentence built around lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond, “Different” can express the counterpoint to “Parallel”.
Choosing the Best Contrast to “Parallel”
Start with the sense of Parallel used in your sentence, then choose the term that creates the intended contrast. The main distinctions here involve lines that cross or diverge, or things that differ rather than correspond. A precise contrast is better than forcing a word into a strict antonym relationship it does not have.