Is there a word to describe someone who disagrees with people just to be different?

Question

I have a friend who always changes their mind depending on what others say just so he can be different and stand out, I've heard someone call it something before (I think I have, anyway) is there a name for this type of behavior?

Argumentative is one word. – Hot Licks Aug 08 '15 at 02:12 — Hot Licks, Aug 08 '15 at 02:12

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Aug 08 '15 at 01:04

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devils advocate, contrarian. Taking an opposing view for it's own sake. Exercising the other side of a debate to test the strength of your argument (something lawyers love)

answered Aug 08 '15 at 01:04

Kim Ryan

862

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"a contrarian" is the right word but your answer needs some improvement: links to sources, examples, references. – Centaurus Aug 08 '15 at 01:18

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 08 '15 at 06:41

contrarian is a noun. It doesn't necessarily imply that the person is antipathetic or argumentative; only that the person does something (e.g, investing in the stock market) in a way that seems opposite to the "common wisdom".

The adjective to describe someone who "disagrees just be different" is closely related:

contrary

See #4: http://i.word.com/idictionary/contrary

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 08 '15 at 01:24

0

Contradictor : someone opposite of a statement or idea put forward by another.

answered Aug 08 '15 at 01:24

Graffito

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Is there a word to describe someone who disagrees with people just to be different?

3 Answers3