CONTEST Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

contest 1 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌtest

Definition of contest

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

truce

contest

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtest

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of contest

Noun

Sarah Rice / Bloomberg via Getty Images Opposition to data centers is spilling into midterm primary and general election contests, with the fight intensifying quickly. — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 29 July 2026 The contest is not between an intelligent country and an unintelligent one. — John Sviokla, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Verb

Murphy hired a lawyer and is suing Paradigm Peptides, which Kawa is contesting. — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 30 July 2026 Though the judge rejected their bid to dismiss the case, the proceedings on Thursday provided an early indication of how Haji Zada will contest the government's novel attempt to remove her. — Elise Spenner, ABC News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest

Noun

This strategic reduction highlights growing competition from open-weight models, compelling proprietary AI providers to lower costs.

— Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Right now, all eyes are on the Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition.

— Ren Clayton, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Zidane will be counted on to lift the organization’s spirits after the national team, which was widely regarded as one of the favorites to win the title in North America, was bounced from the tournament by eventual winner Spain in the semifinals.

— Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Most useful is their Camp at Sea program which is open every day and offers fun games, outdoor activities, video game tournaments, and slumber parties for children ages 3-17.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Definition of tournament

Noun

Pantani had targeted this stage from the start of the Tour and his Mercatone Uno team helped set the pace as the peloton made their way from Saint-Étienne to the foot of the Alpe but even once there Pantani bided his time in the early skirmishes.

— Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Tensions were also exacerbated by frequent, and often violent, skirmishes between Chinese and Indian troops along the border.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026

Definition of skirmish

Noun

The unusually open rivalry within the theocracy's leadership points to a struggle for control over Iran’s postwar future.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
That leaves the door open for the continuation of the blockbuster rivalry between Rhodes and Orton, who has been off TV for the past few months.

— Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Noun

Crime has been down considerably across the city this year, despite several high-profile events occurring in recent months.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
And the other is a wealthier bride shopping for diverse silhouettes for her multiple events, her entire wardrobe customized by the country’s top designers.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026