Entry Word: contest

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another <the eternal contest between the forces of good and the forces of evil>

Synonyms battle, combat, conflict, confrontation, duel, face-off, rivalry, struggle, tug-of-war, warfare

Related Words showdown; contention, discord, friction, strife; controversy, debate, disagreement

Near Antonyms concord, harmony, peace

2 a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize <a contest for the gold medal in diving> — see game 1
3 a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups <what mighty contests have been waged on trivial matters> — see fight 1