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

Bavarian contests including Stein Relay Races, Pretzel Toss, Stein Hoists, Hammerschlagen, Keg Barrel Races, Best Dressed, Best Beard, and Gelande Quaffing. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 18 Sep. 2026 The Houston Cougars come into tonight’s contest with a 2-0 record and a ranking of 22nd in the nation. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Verb

These gains could be increasingly reflected at the national level, too – where Congress has seen a rise in millennial and Generation Z candidates contesting and winning seats. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Sep. 2026 But these were the product of executive actions—unratified by Congress and built on legal authorities that the courts were already contesting. — Jonas Nahm, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest

Noun

On September 18, the family of four attended an event for Athlos, Ohanian’s women-only track and field competition.

— Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026
Related The upcoming installment of mystery competition show revealed the news in a video theatrically narrated by host Alan Cumming.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Clark made her first appearance in a major international tournament this month while helping the United States win its fifth consecutive World Cup championship.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Perception set up a dummy news site and created fake social-media accounts highlighting the tournament’s amenities, which included kosher food in stadiums.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of tournament

Noun

Ties between the two countries, which had deteriorated sharply following a deadly border skirmish in 2020, have been thawing for more than a year.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
The duo walks away from this skirmish, though not unscathed, as Samjad quickly and economically sets up a blistering saga of stylish reprisals with no holds barred.

— Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of skirmish

Verb

Habeas corpus, which allows a defendant to challenge the legality of their imprisonment, is among several mechanisms for release, some of which depend on a detainee’s location.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Macklemore has pledged to donate $1 million in net earnings from the tour to organizations supporting Palestinians and publicly challenged Kraft to match the contribution.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of challenge

Noun

The 268 rooms are spread across a collection of 17th century townhouses connected to the 15th century Olof’s Chapel, now used for events.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
My goal is to analyze financial markets by taking a longer view of history, and to give broader context to recent events.

— Kelly Evans, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of event

Noun

There will be recruiting battles and NIL headaches and portal defections and angry message boards and all the other insanity that comes with coaching at a place where fans consider 9-3 an average record rather than an accomplishment.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
The White Sox, meanwhile, are in a neck-and-neck battle with the Cleveland Guardians for the American League Central crown.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of battle

Verb

Three people associated with the box truck were initially detained and taken to DeLand Police headquarters for questioning but were later released and not charged, the release stated.

— Keily Alfonzo, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
That victory made the Myanmar native a champion questioned by some, but Van legitimized his reign by prevailing in a grueling battle against Tatsuro Taira last May, stopping his challenger in the final round.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026