contradict

1 of 2

verb

con·​tra·​dict ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt 

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

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-tə-bəl 

adjective

contradictor

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-tər 

noun

contradicter

2 of 2

noun

con·​tra·​dict·​er

variants or contradictor

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-tər 

plural -s

: one who contradicts

Synonyms of contradict

Verb

• refute
• disagree (with)

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

Verb

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

Verb

Witness statements can either support or contradict drivers Neutral, third-party accounts often carry real weight with insurance adjusters and civil juries. — Matthew Kayser, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Creation, they were told, literally occurred over seven days; science and scientists contradicted the Bible and could not be trusted. — Felice J. Freyer, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026

Finally, leaders who have inconsistent messaging—giving one instruction today and contradicting it tomorrow—create confusion, frustration and uncertainty. — Don Weber, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

O'Neill previewed the states' arguments, which rely heavily on internal Meta communications and studies that the states say contradicted many of the company's public statements. — John Ruwitch, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing contradict

• contradict oneself

Rhymes for contradict

• derelict
• interdict
• addict
• afflict
• constrict
• delict
• depict
• evict
• handpicked
• inflict
• predict
• relict

Kids Definition

contradict

verb

con·​tra·​dict ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt 

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

-ˈdik-tər 

noun