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

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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

Michigan’s importance is only magnified by its place near the front of Democrats’ 2028 presidential nominating calendar, raising the stakes for a party already looking ahead to its next presidential contest. — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026 The faith leader’s exhortation shows the depth of the divide in the Moskowitz-Larkin contest. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026

Verb

First-place finishers Malawi will await the runners-up from Group D, a spot that Ghana, Cape Verde and Mali will contest. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Whether Ackman’s diagnosis holds up against the city’s own housing data remains contested, but as Mamdani’s rent freeze takes effect, the fight over who’s to blame for New York’s affordability squeeze is only getting louder. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest

Noun

After two jittery routines to start her competition, Claire triumphed with a stick to rocket ahead of Blakely and Carey.

— Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
No away team had won in the previous 14 meetings between the clubs across all competitions.

— Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Pochettino was hired in 2024 to right the ship after the men's team stumbled in a crucial tournament in the run-up to this summer's World Cup.

— Becky Sullivan, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
There are 12 teams in the tournament, divided into two six-team brackets in a double elimination format.

— Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of tournament

Noun

The eagle, beloved worldwide through a Big Bear nest livestream with mate Shadow and eaglets Sandy and Luna, was rescued emaciated after a skirmish with younger birds.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
There were one-on-one periods between the receivers and cornerbacks, a brief skirmish and extensive team periods.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of skirmish

Verb

Iran’s proxies in the region, the Houthis, have since blockaded another strait – the Bab-al-Mandeb – challenging Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through that alternate route.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
The cornerback room shows significant improvement with free agent Benjamin St-Juste and rookie Brandon Cisse impressing, challenging Carrington Valentine and potentially boosting a unit that struggled last season.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of challenge

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

Families who registered for the event ahead of time went there with their children and got a backpack with all school supplies that were grade appropriate.

— Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
There was also the postponement of the event in New Orleans, aiming for a new fall date.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of event

Verb

He was detained, questioned and later released by authorities that same day.

— Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Gualtieri said the property tax ballot amendment is not the proposal that DeSantis first floated to voters and questioned why there were no protections for public safety funding.

— Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026