1
Conflict with evidence
Fail to agree with observed facts.
Example
The claim is at odds with the excavation record.
at odds with
/ət ˈɒdz wɪð/ · at ODZ withconflict phrase
In conflict, disagreement, or incompatibility with.
Use at odds with to signal this exact relationship between ideas: in conflict, disagreement, or incompatibility with.
What at odds with Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Disagree with a position
Contradict another person or institution.
Example
Her account is at odds with the official report.
3
Conflict with values
Be incompatible with a principle or goal.
Example
The policy is at odds with the organisation’s stated mission.
Use at odds with Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The claim is at odds with the excavation record.
Her account is at odds with the official report.
The policy is at odds with the organisation’s stated mission.
Precision Matters
At odds with overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
at odds with
vs.Signals in conflict, disagreement, or incompatibility with.
as opposed to
Means rather than; in contrast with the alternative named.
at odds with
vs.Signals in conflict, disagreement, or incompatibility with.
be incompatible with
Means be unable to coexist or agree with.
at odds with
vs.Signals in conflict, disagreement, or incompatibility with.
corroborate
Means confirm or support a statement with additional evidence.
at odds with
vs.Signals in conflict, disagreement, or incompatibility with.
equivocal
Means open to multiple interpretations or deliberately noncommittal.
Test at odds with in Context
The account conflicts directly with documented evidence.
1
The witness’s timeline is ___ the timestamped photographs, which place her elsewhere.