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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Thursday’s result settled the third of four contests for the seat this year. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 Throughout the day, visitors can see Birds and Exotics of the World, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Wild Garden Bellydance, MacSilver’s Irish Pirates and, finally, the costume contest on the main stage. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Since entering the league in 2022-23 after one season at UCLA, Watson ranks second in field goal percentage allowed among players to contest at least 2,000 shots. — Janis Carr, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2026 Paul Schmidt, a Covington & Burling trial attorney representing Meta, contested O'Neill's arguments, and disputed the notion that Meta executives misled the public with their statements about child safety. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest

Noun

But as more money and bigger names entered, competition grew fiercer, pushing a drive to export the dramas overseas for more revenue — and use whatever means available to cut costs.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
While ChatGPT’s release in late 2022, helped spark a flurry of competition and advances for large language models, the same idea isn’t easily applied to robots because of their complexity.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

The Current star had a standout performance alongside her sister Tabitha, helping their nation qualify for its first Women’s World Cup by making it to the semifinals of this tournament alongside Cameroon, Morocco and South Africa.

— Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Of course, rescheduling work hours or sports tournaments, much like shifting crops or fishing practices amid warming oceans, doesn’t address the fundamental issues contributing to more extreme weather or reduce the overall risks.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of tournament

Noun

There were certainly more skirmishes between the Eagles offense and Patriots defense.

— Zach Berman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Players from the Cowboys and the Saints threw punches during several skirmishes throughout the joint practice, which was conducted in uncommonly hot, humid weather in the coastal town.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of skirmish

Verb

Raman claims that politics were at play, casting her removal as a hit job for her decision to challenge Bass.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
The merger remains on hold, possibly until June, while a federal judge considers a lawsuit from a coalition of state attorneys general challenging the deal over antitrust grounds.

— Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of challenge

Noun

Several schools were competing at the track event when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent that was perched in the bleachers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Another aspect for King Charles and Prince William to consider is whether to fold the Sussexes into private family events – such as Easter in Windsor or Christmas at Sandringham.

— Max Foster, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of event

Noun

The twin springs that gave the Revolutionary War battle its name are no more, inundated by the 1940s project that flooded the Santee River basin for hydroelectric power and flood control.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Outrageousness seems to be the point of these battles, which have no apparent criteria, judges, or rules.

— Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026