Contradictory antonyms are pairs of words that have opposite meanings and cannot coexist in the same context. For example, the words hot and cold represent extremes of temperature, where one cannot be both at the same time. These antonyms help clarify meaning by providing a clear distinction between two opposing concepts. In contrast to gradable antonyms, which allow for varying degrees (like big and small), contradictory antonyms are absolute. They create a binary choice, such as alive and dead, where the presence of one negates the other. Understanding these pairs enhances language comprehension and communication.