Like Mary? Just the opposite! (8)

I believe the answer is:

contrary

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'the opposite' is the definition.
('contrary' can be a synonym of 'opposite')

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for contrary that I've seen before include "Quite like Mary" , "Opposed or perverse" , "Opposite, perverse" , "Perverse, obstinate" , "Carry out (command)" .)

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