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

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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

Some 44,472 Australians voted once the field was narrowed down to six finalists, with 17,454 choosing the stunning golden beetle as the winner of the contest, now in its third year. — New Atlas, 13 Nov. 2026 Midterm elections normally have lower voter participation than presidential contests. — Rahul Mukherjee, NPR, 13 Nov. 2026

Verb

Whether that’s true is contested — some industry veterinarians endorse that view, while others maintain that it’s based on a narrow view of calves’ well-being and that properly managed social housing need not harm their physical health. — Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 11 Nov. 2026 How much Lori Huang could be worth if the two were to part ways is unclear and would almost certainly be contested legally. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 10 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest

Noun

Brown, of Relativity, insists that adopting AI is a necessary move to maintain healthy peer-to-peer and global competition.

— S. Sorrina Beecher, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
The singles and doubles competitions for the ATP Finals will also begin.

— Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

While the Falcons played some 800 miles away back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Strickland participated in a bowling tournament planned well in advance of the team’s schedule release in 2022.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 7 Nov. 2026
The International Ice Hockey Federation provided updates on Belarusian and Russian athletes in its upcoming world tournaments, including next month's World Junior Championships.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of tournament

Verb

Some young Catholics involved in local church groups hoped the sight of a pope drawing crowds would challenge Uruguay's image as a country indifferent to religion.

— ISABEL DEBRE, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
In a new study, researchers at the University of Ottawa have proposed this unconventional picture, which challenges some of modern physics’ biggest assumptions.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of challenge

Noun

Overshadowing the stats are the magnitude and intensity of the rivalry, and the fact that Wesleyan has won the last two, spoiling the seasons for Trinity’s current upper classmen.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 2026
Rent rivalries Ponder inland rents against what tenants pay in states considered California’s main economic rivals.

— Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Noun

The house has since served as a family home, a Red Cross property, and Magnolia Mansion, a boutique hotel and event venue, before ERG Enterprises acquired it in 2023.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
Choose Your Words Carefully When Offering Support There’s nothing normal about grieving or dealing with difficult life events.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of event

Noun

The letter was shared as Haitian police and foreign forces continue to battle gangs, with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announcing on X late Friday that a gang leader was killed, without identifying him.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
The attention surfaced new accusations of misconduct against sitting members and thrust a spotlight onto others that were part of ongoing legal battles.

— Anna Liss-Roy, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of battle

Verb

But innovation does not come from a system that effectively discourages questioning.

— Washington Post, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
The Iran war explains part of that, but investors also question a government and Congress with no plan to back the debt with future surpluses.

— Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026