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
Relevance
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
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
Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
Plus, there will be a chicken wings eating contest and a burger eating contest.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Billy and Tina's move was heavily contested with many stars, including Cher, speaking out in hopes that L.A. Mayor Karen Bass would allow the elephants to retire to a sanctuary instead of moving to a new zoo.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contest
Noun
Charlie Thurlow had five goals and two assists, while Luke Renzi added four goals as No. 7 Manchester-Essex (15-4) cruised to a 17-4 win over No. 26 East Bridgewater in a Div. 4 first-round contest.
—Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
Plus, there will be a chicken wings eating contest and a burger eating contest.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025
Verb
The same rights American citizens have to contest government actions against them in court extend to undocumented immigrants facing detention and deportation.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Billy and Tina's move was heavily contested with many stars, including Cher, speaking out in hopes that L.A. Mayor Karen Bass would allow the elephants to retire to a sanctuary instead of moving to a new zoo.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest
Noun
-
The Diamond League was the premier series of competition in the sport for a long time and still holds that title due to its longevity and structure.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
Few trans athletes have reached elite levels of sports competition and even fewer have taken home top prizes, but their limited success has fueled the growing movement to ban them from participating on teams consistent with their gender identity.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
So far, in the NCAA tournament, Cholowsky had been uncharacteristically quiet for his standards.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
-
As part of our guides to the sides that will feature in the tournament, James Horncastle gives you the background on River Plate.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Nuñez warned that more skirmishes could occur on Sunday as PSG will parade on the Champs-Élysées before celebrating the title with their fans at the Parc des Princes stadium.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
-
Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of land disputes, though Thailand said after the short skirmish that the situation had been resolved.—
DAVID RISING,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
All of those changes are being challenged in court.—
Geoff Mulvihill,
Chicago Tribune,
1 June 2025
-
In creative domains, AI is generating art, music, and literature that challenges our assumptions about human uniqueness while simultaneously expanding the boundaries of aesthetic experience.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
How can the club improve its image around the world, where international fans are less concerned with local rivalries?—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
-
This is also a historic rivalry, so that's why so many people are tuning in.—
Ryan Stano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Parades; live entertainment; food, drink and merchandise vendors; community resources; and family-friendly activities are central to all of these events.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
-
The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), one of the oldest and most prestigious annual global spirit judging events, just released the results for their 2025 event.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Recently, a German court quietly ended a landmark legal battle that had spanned nearly a decade.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
Fires and recovery Crews battle fire burning in Pala, evacuations underway in northern San Diego County.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
Some might find the introduction of a major conflict — when a different date turns nightmarish for Sophie, causing Lucy to question her certainties about what makes a good match and berate herself for failing to spot red flags — to be a heavy-handed nudge toward a resolution.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
-
The announcement also prompted concern among bloggers who write about Disney parks in California and Florida, who questioned the impact the restrictions could have on the thousands who visit the parks each year from Venezuela.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share