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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The French men’s national team — one of the favorites to win the entire tournament — arrived with HACs, as well as bags from Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
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This is the earliest that the Netherlands was eliminated from a World Cup tournament in history, reports ESPN.
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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In his first chance to pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his still-new Padres uniform Friday night, Buehler was a star in this NL West rivalry once again.
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The other final will see Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay renew their rivalry from Forbidden Door 2024, this time with an AEW World Championship match at Wembley Stadium on the line.
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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Photos of Haaland on the tarmac posted to social media were riddled with homophobia and comments questioning the striker’s masculinity.
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Maps published by the Israeli government show the pilot zones encompassing the villages of Froun, Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh and Ghandouriyeh, but commentators question their value, noting Israel does not have a significant presence in those villages.
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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