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

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 contradict Israeli President Isaac Herzog appeared to contradict Katz later that day, saying that Israel is not aiming to eliminate Iran’s supreme leader. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2025 As for Iran’s future, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday appeared to play down Trump calling into question the future of Iran’s ruling theocracy, seemingly contradicting his administration’s earlier calls on Tehran to resume negotiations and avoid an escalation in fighting. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025 On that front, studies can seem to contradict themselves. Dylan Scott, Vox, 23 June 2025 But the Iranian Mission to the United Nations was quick to contradict his claim, posting on X that the regime would not negotiate under duress. Nbc News, NBC news, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contradict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict
Verb
  • But DeGeneres ultimately refuted the claims that savaged her career.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 23 June 2025
  • State-run news agency Xinhua on Friday refuted claims that regions had canceled the subsidies.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • So with his conviction and prison stay, Larson was denied access.
    Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • The Enquirer was denied these records on the grounds that complaints of educator misconduct that have resulted in an investigation are not deemed public until the board has taken final action on the case.
    Annie Goldman, The Enquirer, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • New York Senator Julia Salazar, who was among the electeds observing hearings Thursday called for New Yorkers to reject what is happening inside lower Manhattan immigration courts.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • But her boss rejects her resignation, and offers her a new assignment: find Xavier, the mysterious kingpin whose power reaches all the way to the Oval Office.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradict

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