1
as in rivalries
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 tournaments
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 skirmishes
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 challenges
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 contests
Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Latson averaged seven points per game in two preseason contests and has been lauded for her ability to drive to the basket.
—John Davis, Daily News, 8 May 2026
Votes will also be counted in contests for semiautonomous parliaments in Scotland and Wales.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
The race took on the dimensions of a proxy battle between OpenAI and Anthropic, a clash of money and priorities that seems likely to prefigure other midterm contests.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
Others, of course, for his efforts in bundling Braves games and college wet t-shirt contests.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Keeping McDaniels on the floor is vital to Minnesota’s success, and should be at the top of everyone’s mind early in contests.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
The disclosure comes ahead of a competitive Maine Senate race against Democrat Graham Platner, 41, as health and age scrutiny intensifies in high-profile political contests nationwide.
—Patrick Whittle, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Consider this a wish list more than a projection, an opportunity to skillfully position rivalry contests and showcase games while leaning into potential theater.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
One lawsuit contests the federal government’s refusal to allow the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to investigate the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
—Yohuru Williams, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Here, Sarr successfully contests a 13-foot floater by Tyler Kolek.
—Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The high court’s decision did not address the underlying merits of the lawsuit, which contests the Department of Homeland Security’s revocation policy.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
If the president contests that decision, Congress must resolve the dispute, requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers to maintain the vice president's authority.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
See the results from the Indiana contests, here.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Latson averaged seven points per game in two preseason contests and has been lauded for her ability to drive to the basket.
—John Davis, Daily News, 8 May 2026
Votes will also be counted in contests for semiautonomous parliaments in Scotland and Wales.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
The race took on the dimensions of a proxy battle between OpenAI and Anthropic, a clash of money and priorities that seems likely to prefigure other midterm contests.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
Others, of course, for his efforts in bundling Braves games and college wet t-shirt contests.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Keeping McDaniels on the floor is vital to Minnesota’s success, and should be at the top of everyone’s mind early in contests.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
The disclosure comes ahead of a competitive Maine Senate race against Democrat Graham Platner, 41, as health and age scrutiny intensifies in high-profile political contests nationwide.
—Patrick Whittle, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Consider this a wish list more than a projection, an opportunity to skillfully position rivalry contests and showcase games while leaning into potential theater.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Verb
Israel contests the allegation, saying the vessel hasn’t entered port and Ukraine has failed to provide sufficient evidence or legal requests.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
One lawsuit contests the federal government’s refusal to allow the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to investigate the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
—Yohuru Williams, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Here, Sarr successfully contests a 13-foot floater by Tyler Kolek.
—Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The high court’s decision did not address the underlying merits of the lawsuit, which contests the Department of Homeland Security’s revocation policy.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
If the president contests that decision, Congress must resolve the dispute, requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers to maintain the vice president's authority.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contests
Noun
-
That’s why the series’ episodes that focus specifically on his rivalries with other climbers, in particular Honnold and Hunt, feel the most enlightening.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
-
The unanimous decision came during a nine-hour-long meeting that included several tense moments arising out of longstanding political rivalries.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The expansion of the NCAA men’s’ and women’s basketball tournaments from 68 to 76 teams, starting in March 2027, has been criticized by several prominent figures around the sport, including long-time ESPN analyst Dick Vitale.—
Gary Bedore
May 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
-
In the past, Warren and Bianchi took any opportunity to go to Bianchi’s family trailer at Normandy Farms Campground – cornhole tournaments, softball tournaments, volleyball tournaments – and would spend a night or two nights just hanging out.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The game was delayed with just under six minutes on the clock after several skirmishes broke out, leading to the ejections of Seals captain Wes Berg and Toronto’s Elijah Gash.—
Ivan Carter,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
The early skirmishes certainly appeared that way.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Speaking with the Tribune on Monday, Talley’s mother, Tamika Vaughen, said her son has been in and out of treatment facilities and medicated for mental health challenges his entire life.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The book, along with the show and 50 artists, really challenges old notions of what textile is.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The 2-2 draw halted San Diego’s five-match losing streak in MLS play, but stretched its winless run across all competitions to nine matches.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
The Lions have scored multiple goals in four consecutive games across all competitions.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
After losing the first two games of a first-place Palomar League showdown, playing poorly in the second game and losing by 12 runs, Mission Hills High School baseball coach Griffin Teisher said his team had one thing on its mind.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Some are backing away from exclusionary discipline like suspensions and expulsions and have embraced schoolwide approaches that reward positive behavior and provide social skills practice through games and role-playing.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Not to worry, soccer aficionados — there’s an abundance of high-stakes clashes to tide you over until then.—
John Riker,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
Be aware of your short fuse as Mars clashes with Jupiter.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Continue reading … SECURITY SHAKEUP — Lawmaker questions hotel metal detector setup at Correspondent's Dinner.—
,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Meanwhile, there has been a major shift in Washington’s regulatory tone and outlook, creating opportunities but also questions about the longevity of changes in rules.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contests. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
