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
Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
California voters in the San Francisco Bay Area decided on a host of key contests in the June 2 primary election.
—CBS News, 3 June 2026
Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 4 June 2026
The chain of events that led to this moment is contested, with those involved denying culpability.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Noun
Unlike statewide races in California, county contests can be decided outright in the primary when a candidate wins a majority.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
California voters in the San Francisco Bay Area decided on a host of key contests in the June 2 primary election.
—CBS News, 3 June 2026
Verb
That idea remains hotly contested.
—Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 4 June 2026
The chain of events that led to this moment is contested, with those involved denying culpability.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest
Noun
-
What’s more, golf is a sport famed for its adherence to tradition, and not all technological advances are permissible in competitions.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
-
And the second American director in competition, Ira Sachs, also upheld his standing.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
In Seattle, Nordstrom will support Summer of Sports at Westlake Park – a free, open-to-the-public outdoor viewing destination with a Nordstrom VIP area, marquee matchups and food and drink, including watch parties on each of the tournament’s six Seattle match dates.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
-
The risk is not theoretical The dangers of hot, humid weather are not new to professional soccer players and tournament organizers, though the risks are getting more pronounced as the planet warms.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Inconspicuous blows against Denver escalated to skirmishes.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
Meanwhile, the religious right profited handsomely from the skirmish.—
Isaac Butler,
New Yorker,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
And Mullin, a 48-year-old former Republican senator from Oklahoma and former mixed martial arts fighter, is also known for fiery exchanges with congressional committees, once challenging a Teamsters leader during a 2023 hearing.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
Across the campus, 30 artists have created an array of site-specific permanent works on a scale that would even be challenging for a leading contemporary art institution.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Clash in Italy will be one of the biggest premium live events for WWE in the wake of WrestleMania 42, featuring four title matches and a rivalry renewed.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2026
-
These two had a strong match at Full Gear 2025, and on a stage as large as Wembley Stadium, there is plenty of reason to revisit the rivalry.—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Da Messina’s Annunciation famously excises the angel Gabriel, while Ghirri’s version further edits the event by also obscuring the Virgin herself.—
James Quandt,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The hotel occupies 12 floors of a 42-story tower, offering 277 guest rooms and suites along with 15,000 square feet of event space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Losing that battle could cost him more than $100 million, according to the Times.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
It is embedded within the city’s historic Jackson Park, a decision that was met with legal battles as an environmental group sued the City of Chicago for allowing a private project to be built on public land.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
While DeGette has focused her comments on the need for humanitarian aid, Kiros has more directly criticized Israel and questioned its legitimacy as a state.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
Some questioned the legitimacy of the agreement since Burke had donated to the political campaigns of several council members who approved the settlement.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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