Synonyms of contradict

contradict

verb

ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt 

1

as in to refute

to make an assertion that is contrary to one made by (another)

no matter what I say, you always have to contradict me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refute
• disagree (with)
• resist
• question
• gainsay
• challenge
• oppose
• rebut
• dispute
• contest
• confute
• fight
• cross

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agree (with)
• concur (with)
• confirm
• verify
• corroborate
• substantiate
• testify (to)
• certify
• witness
• attest
• authenticate
• vouch (for)
• avouch

2

as in to deny

to declare not to be true

his account contradicted the story that they had gotten earlier

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deny
• refute
• reject
• negate
• disavow
• disallow
• disclaim
• disown
• repudiate
• gainsay
• disaffirm
• negative
• disconfirm
• disprove
• traverse
• rebut
• disagree (with)
• challenge
• dispute
• confute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confirm
• allow
• acknowledge
• admit
• own
• accept
• concede
• adopt
• embrace
• maintain
• claim
• submit
• assert
• affirm
• declare
• avow
• announce
• profess
• verify
• espouse
• validate
• substantiate
• corroborate
• aver
• authenticate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contradict differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contradict are contravene, deny, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

In what contexts can contravene take the place of contradict?

Although the words contravene and contradict have much in common, contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When could deny be used to replace contradict?

The synonyms deny and contradict are sometimes interchangeable, but deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

When would gainsay be a good substitute for contradict?

The words gainsay and contradict can be used in similar contexts, but gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contradict

Reporting by Drilled and ProPublica did not contradict that assertion. — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026

Instead, much of the ISM appears to be unstable — a finding that directly contradicts the leading theoretical models taught in textbooks. — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026

The district attorney played Morales’ body camera footage Teare has said video clearly contradicts the ICE account. — Anna Wilder, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

But that arrangement would still contradict the campaign promises made by Eisenkot and several of his potential partners. — Itay Stern, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026