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
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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
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Detailing the new timetable, IOC member Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović said the contest should take shape in March next year.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Six of the 10 city directors positions, as well as the office of mayor, will be contested during the November election.
—
Joseph Flaherty,
Arkansas Online,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Noun
And of how efficiently and boldly that talent must be acquired to keep pace in the great efficiency contest that is the NHL.
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Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Detailing the new timetable, IOC member Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović said the contest should take shape in March next year.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Verb
Unless his future is resolved before then, the Egypt captain could find himself in the unusual position of contesting a World Cup knockout match without being tied to any club.
—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
Six of the 10 city directors positions, as well as the office of mayor, will be contested during the November election.
—
Joseph Flaherty,
Arkansas Online,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest
Noun
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The biggest score of the World Cup competition may be happening off the pitch.
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For Iraq, a victory would be its first in World Cup competition while Senegal, a quarterfinalist in 2002, would like to get a win for Sadio Mane, one of Africa’s most iconic players, who may be playing in his final World Cup.
Noun
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Mbappe, whose eight goals led the tournament four years ago, already has 16 World Cup goals for his career, tied for second all-time.
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This is where the true tournament of the best tournament in the world begins — where the safety nets are officially removed, where every kick is vital, and every blade of grass is earned.
Noun
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While the war ended years before, the hostility spread from the stands — with skirmishes among supporters — into the field, when Maradona tricked the referee and the world with the World Cup’s most infamous goal, punching the ball into the net with his fist above England’s goalie Peter Shilton.
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Continue reading … — Two arrested as skirmishes erupt outside courthouse after Karmelo Anthony verdict.
Verb
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Are the needs of another challenging your emotional state?
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Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer came out of the net to go for the ball, as a Ecuadorian player challenged the net.
Noun
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The story being told has centered around the Aerial Assassin, but could AEW shock everyone by taking the rivalry in a different direction?
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The biggest rivalry in the WNBA delivered.
Noun
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The best Prime Day clothing deals tend to change day by day, so check back in over the course of the event to shop all the newest and most exciting markdowns.
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Boggi Milano, which will also be the official licensee of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, is a fitting partner to the global sporting event.
Noun
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Riff argued the issue to halt the payout was not a legal battle but rather a political one.
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While the first half of the match was full of battles and speed runs from one goal to another, the players seem to be taking a more methodical pace after returning from the locker room.
Verb
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For generations, those rules have been questioned and debated but rarely tested – until now.
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Leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services applauded the FTC’s move, pointing to an HHS review that questioned WPATH standards.
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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