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
Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Co-organizer Jess Jones says the 12 participants from last year’s contest, which includes any restaurant south of 41st Street and takes place in February, saw sales increase up to 60% that month.
—Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 28 Jan. 2026
David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
Lucky winners get 52 entrées (choices include Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, or Chick-fil-A Nuggets at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants; contest runs until July 1).
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Noun
The State Election Board in May 2024 heard a case that alleged documentation was missing for thousands of votes in the recount of the presidential contest in the 2020 election in 2020.
—Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Co-organizer Jess Jones says the 12 participants from last year’s contest, which includes any restaurant south of 41st Street and takes place in February, saw sales increase up to 60% that month.
—Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
Recent events suggest that the gaping hole where the East Wing once was may lie there exposed, undeveloped, and contested for quite some time.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
Lucky winners get 52 entrées (choices include Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, or Chick-fil-A Nuggets at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants; contest runs until July 1).
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest
Noun
-
Microsoft is a large investor in OpenAI, but there’s growing competition in the AI space, especially from Google’s Gemini.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Uhlaender, a five-time Olympian, was hoping to qualify for her sixth Winter Games, but lost the chance before competition even began in Lake Placid due to Canada's withdrawals.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The news of this partnership comes a little over a month before the NCAA March Madness tournament is set to kick off.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
29 Jan. 2026
-
This mission hits a wall when the local gaming authority suspends all Hong Kong player accounts just weeks before a key tournament selection stage.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
At least four videos appear to contradict the administration’s account that Pretti was holding a weapon during the skirmish leading up to his death.—
Karen Cortes,
NBC news,
26 Jan. 2026
-
That led to a small skirmish with the governor’s office.—
Josie Reich,
Hartford Courant,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
On July 30, the comptroller challenged the Panama Ports Company’s contract to operate the ports before the Supreme Court.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Thompson's attorneys had argued in filings with the Supreme Court that he was not allowed to challenge the prosecution's evidence that concluded Hayslip died from a gunshot wound in her face.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Cal was led by a pair of players who were new to the rivalry.—
Harold Gutmann,
Mercury News,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The lawsuit is the latest chapter in the long rivalry between Hill and Rose.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Ball was depicted on social media attending a Senior Bowl event at a local elementary school on Monday, which was publicized by both the Senior Bowl and UA athletics.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
-
There were almost no literary festivals or bookstore events.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In a city where detentions have largely played out on the streets, Homan’s comments have highlighted a battle that has been unfolding in the background.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The exercise of power, not surprisingly, contributed to the restlessness of a busy mind that waged battles against a committed opposition.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The agency added that one individual is being questioned as the investigation continues.—
Hunter Geisel,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Friends question her sanity and stability, and Helen loses herself further inside her mounting grief.—
Adam Graham,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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