“Awry” usually means wrong, off course, out of order, or not happening as intended. Its best opposites depend on whether you mean correctness, organization, direction, operation, or success.
Choose the Opposite by What Went Wrong
- Correct
- Right
- Proper
- Accurate
- Orderly
- Aligned
- On track
- In order
- Functioning
- Successful
- Smooth
- As intended
- In place
- Well-organized
- Stable
- Sound
- Regular
- Straight
Correct
“Correct” works when you mean free from error or wrongness. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The figures are now correct after the calculation error was fixed.
Right
Use “Right” for correct or appropriate in the context. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: After several false starts, the project finally went right.
Proper
“Proper” emphasizes suitable, correct, or in the expected form. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The machine returned to proper working order after the repair.
Accurate
“Accurate” works when you mean correct in detail or measurement. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The corrected reading was accurate.
Orderly
Use “Orderly” for organized and arranged rather than chaotic. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: The files were restored to an orderly system.
Aligned
“Aligned” emphasizes properly positioned or working toward the same direction. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The two components are now properly aligned.
On track
“On track” works when you mean progressing as planned. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The project is back on track after the delay.
In order
Use “In order” for properly arranged or functioning. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: Everything is in order for tomorrow’s launch.
Functioning
“Functioning” emphasizes working as intended. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The system is functioning as expected again.
Successful
“Successful” works when you mean producing the intended result. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The revised process was successful.
Smooth
Use “Smooth” for proceeding without major problems or disruption. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: The handover was smooth once the responsibilities were clarified.
As intended
“As intended” emphasizes happening in the way that was planned. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: After the update, the feature worked as intended.
In place
“In place” works when you mean properly established or positioned. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The necessary safeguards are now in place.
Well-organized
Use “Well-organized” for structured clearly and effectively. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: The revised schedule is well-organized and easy to follow.
Stable
“Stable” emphasizes not disrupted, erratic, or likely to fail. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The service is stable again after the outage.
Sound
“Sound” works when you mean reliable, well-founded, or in good condition. It is more precise than the original when that distinction matters.
Example: The final plan is sound and ready for approval.
Regular
Use “Regular” for normal, orderly, or following the expected pattern. Check the surrounding sentence because it is not necessarily interchangeable in every context.
Example: The pattern returned to a regular rhythm.
Straight
“Straight” emphasizes properly aligned rather than crooked or askew. Choose it when that shade of meaning is the one you want to bring forward.
Example: The frame is straight now rather than sitting awry.