contradict

verb

con·​tra·​dict ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt How to pronounce contradict (audio)
contradicted; contradicting; contradicts

transitive verb

1
: to assert the contrary of : take issue with
contradict a rumor
She contradicted her brother's account of what happened.
2
: to imply the opposite or a denial of
Your actions contradict your words.
The evidence contradicts his testimony.
contradictable adjective
contradictor noun
Choose the Right Synonym for contradict

deny, gainsay, contradict, contravene mean to refuse to accept as true or valid.

deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

Examples of contradict in a Sentence

He contradicted the charges of his critics. My sister doesn't like being contradicted. The mayor's actions in office contradicted the promises he made during the campaign.
Recent Examples on the Web But as Newport points out, Jobs’s own career contradicts the advice in the speech. Scott Galloway, TIME, 15 July 2024 Like alcohol use, research on cannabis use is mixed—Chen’s study contradicts previous findings on cannabis use and the severity of COVID infections. Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 12 July 2024 This contradicts a century-long assumption among scholars of the mechanism that the calendar ring had 365 holes, thus tracking with a solar calendar, but is in keeping with the conclusions of a 2020 analysis. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 10 July 2024 Trump has also made other comments that seem to contradict his 2023 announcement. David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for contradict 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contradict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin contrādictus, past participle of contrādīcere, contrā dīcere "to speak against, object to, oppose, assert the contrary," from contrā contra- + dīcere "to talk, speak, say" — more at diction

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contradict was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near contradict

Cite this Entry

“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contradict. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

contradict

verb
con·​tra·​dict ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt How to pronounce contradict (audio)
1
: to say the opposite of what someone else has said : deny the truth of
2
: to be opposed or contrary to : go against
your actions contradict your words
contradictor noun

More from Merriam-Webster on contradict

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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