1
as in competition
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the eternal contest between the forces of good and the forces of evil
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tournament
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
what mighty contests have been waged on trivial matters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to challenge
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
vowed to contest the claim in court
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contest
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
The Enquirer took top honors in Ohio's four journalism contests evaluating work from 2024.
—Jackie Borchardt, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Oct. 2025
Chad De Guzman, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
There’s also cyber and space domains that have become contested.
—Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contest
Noun
The chaos ensued after the two teams tallied 49 penalties and 186 minutes in an earlier preseason contest.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
The Enquirer took top honors in Ohio's four journalism contests evaluating work from 2024.
—Jackie Borchardt, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
The race, much like last year’s party leadership contest that Takaichi initially led but ultimately lost to Shigeru Ishiba, went to a run-off vote between Takaichi and the would-be youngest-ever Prime Minister, 44-year-old Shinjiro Koizumi.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
There’s also cyber and space domains that have become contested.
—Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest
Noun
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Historically, Goldman says bubbles tend to be driven by a specific innovation, investors pile-in, there’s a rush of capital and competition from new companies, which in turn pushes up prices and valuations, increasing systemic risks.—
Tasmin Lockwood,
CNBC,
8 Oct. 2025
-
With fewer insurers willing to provide insurance in Florida than in New Hampshire, there is less competition, which leads to higher premiums.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Eighteen nations are already guaranteed a spot in the tournament next June and July, meaning there are 30 (yes, 30) still to be decided.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
In 1997, the Shelby School won the Super Nationals chess tournament—and one year later, Rensch took home his first individual national championship title.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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These issues are not unique to the WNBA, as its affiliate league, the NBA, has weathered refereeing controversies and skirmishes over player pay for years.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
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Each new development is underscored by a lingering discomfort about the racial dynamics of the skirmish and about Maja taking action where Nourou might have wanted to leave the whole thing be.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As if cybersecurity wasn’t challenging enough, fewer CISA employees are being asked to do more and more work protecting American cyberspace during the shutdown.—
Richard Forno,
The Conversation,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The clash comes amid lawsuits from states and cities challenging the use of federal law enforcement and military forces in local jurisdictions.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But international rivalry between the United States and Canada, rekindled last season with two memorable games in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, will also take center stage in February when the NHL will break for players’ participation in the Winter Olympics for the first time in over a decade.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Set in 1980s England, the series follows the rivalry of two men who come to a head.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Military watchers play close attention to what North Korea chooses to show off at such events.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
9 Oct. 2025
-
CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The battle of the rotations Pretty much every night, their starting pitcher was better than your starting pitcher.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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That includes research presentations on hip-hop, identity and activism, interactive workshops in education and creative practice, and a freestyle dance battle.—
Liz Rothaus Bertrand,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Canales’ trust in Young growing A week after Dave Canales called a couple of running plays on third-and-long — prompting a veteran coach with another team to question Canales’ faith in his quarterback — Canales was more aggressive with his play calling with the game on the line.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Once Gein's crimes came to light, he was questioned about a number of additional disappearances in the region.—
JR Radcliffe,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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