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
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 Masters Par 3 contest.
—Jason Sobel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Adam Ismail, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026
Many of these were hard wins, often fraught and contested in their local context.
—Gia Biagi, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Noun
Uncompetitive contests that feature anonymous rosters as stars – or even competent role players – are shut down for the season with injuries both real and imagined.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 Masters Par 3 contest.
—Jason Sobel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
From there, you’re introduced to your guide for your adventures in Japan, meet your starter cars (those would be an ST205 Toyota Celica GT-Four, widebody S13 Nissan Silvia, and—wait for it—a K5 GMC Jimmy), and can immediately begin contesting races to qualify for the big show, the Horizon Festival.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026
Many of these were hard wins, often fraught and contested in their local context.
—Gia Biagi, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest
Noun
-
But neither is an experienced starter so general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley will almost certainly seek training camp competition for each role.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The drama was announced as having been selected for Cannes’ main competition at the festival’s traditional press conference in Paris on Thursday.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Caught in this scenario is his sport that still needs him, busted parts and all, but would love nothing more than for the focus to be on the great players who are playing its most famous tournament.—
Mac Engel
April 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
-
This year, practice-round tickets went for $125 and $150, individual tournament rounds cost $160 and four-day tournament badges were $525.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These rules had been tightened since 2020, when relations soured following a deadly border skirmish in the Galwan Valley, where several Indian and Chinese soldiers died.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The skirmishes are a preview for more campaigns later this year, when at least a half-dozen states will hold elections for utility regulators.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The very player challenging the legitimacy of their playoff series win on a recent podcast stream with his teammate Jordan Walsh.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
In the latest California shooting, Patrick Kolsasinksi, an attorney representing Hernandez’s family, has challenged Lyon’s claim that his client was a dangerous gang member.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Penguins showed a video tribute honoring Ovechkin and his longstanding rivalry with Crosby during a television timeout in the second period.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The couple has previously playfully acknowledged their rivalry.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
PowerSchool had become so influential that in 2023, its CEO was invited to speak at the White House during an event promoting cybersecurity in education.—
Mike Levine,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
During an event at UCLA's Acosta Athletic Complex, players and athletic department officials provided an up-close look at the new uniforms.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Battle of Kings Mountain, where the Patriots won a 1780 battle just west of Charlotte, and a recreation of British loyalist leader Maj.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
-
In a battle for first place in the Pacific Coast League, Patel drove in five runs and scored a run to lead Irvine to an 8-2 victory over Portola.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Don't hurt me … Terry Rose was immediately transported to the police department where Wilson and Tamayo were waiting to question him.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Butler said on Friday that police were questioning Brian Hooker on a potential charge of causing harm resulting in death.—
Adam Sabes , Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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