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
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Recent Examples of contest
Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
That crackling atmosphere was clear to see when The Athletic attended Friday night’s match against struggling Le Havre, with the city taken over by a sea of red and gold before the game and Lens’ supporters then bouncing up and down in the stands for the entire contest.
—Tom Burrows, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The competitive Democratic field reflects national party enthusiasm to contest what has been a red-leaning seat in the northern exurbs of Atlanta.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Noun
The race for the 10th Congressional District, which spans lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, follows a trend of contests pitting already left-leaning politicians versus more progressive candidates.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
That crackling atmosphere was clear to see when The Athletic attended Friday night’s match against struggling Le Havre, with the city taken over by a sea of red and gold before the game and Lens’ supporters then bouncing up and down in the stands for the entire contest.
—Tom Burrows, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Administration officials have contested judicial characterizations of immigration enforcement, with Department of Homeland Security representatives arguing that judges have mischaracterized ICE law enforcement actions by comparing them to extremist groups.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The competitive Democratic field reflects national party enthusiasm to contest what has been a red-leaning seat in the northern exurbs of Atlanta.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest
Noun
-
Khelif has appealed the new policy that will keep the athlete out of any competitions pending the results of genetic testing.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
During the second annual competition in October, the team from La Marmotte restaurant, also located downtown, won with a concoction of Nikka Vodka, Luxardo Espresso liqueur, Irish cream, and Count Chocula and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereals.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Although the College Football Playoff will remain a 12-team field in 2026, the tournament's committee has unveiled postseason dates and bowl sites for the next two seasons.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
In the Mission League, Sierra Canyon, Notre Dame, Crespi and Loyola earned automatic playoff berths for advancing to the league tournament semifinal.—
Tarek Fattal,
Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After a skirmish, Pretti escaped from the officer and went toward the crowd.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Swayman went down to one knee and the referees broke up the skirmish.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Leading through challenging moments requires steadiness, clear priorities, and transparency.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Your 3rd House of Transmissions carries mischievous Mercury, bouncing off of reactive Uranus in your 6th House of Everyday Effort, challenging your rhythm with a last-minute task.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While there are teams, rivalries and even championships on the line, Lightner says the real goal goes far beyond the scoreboard.—
Itay Hod,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Next on the line is a woman who is more gracious to Kendrick, but didn’t seem to get the memo that the East Coast-West Coast rivalry ended decades ago.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ball was depicted on social media attending a Senior Bowl event at a local elementary school on Monday, which was publicized by both the Senior Bowl and UA athletics.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
-
There were almost no literary festivals or bookstore events.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The star of the cache was a near-complete Iron Age battle trumpet, or carnyx — used to blare eerie sounds in battle and rally troops against the enemy.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Alain Hamel is credited with catching the giant flatfish, which was pulled through the ice after a two-and-a-half hour battle.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In this drama series, two friends recently divorced and widowed explore their new single lives with teenage children while questioning the possibility of a romantic future.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Police questioned Barbosa after Arzola’s arrest.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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