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

Federal and state officials have offered contradicting accounts of those videos. —Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026

Minnesota officials have said the footage contradicts the federal government’s initial version of events. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026

Subsequently, officers allowed Lewis to leave, but his account was later contradicted by surveillance footage from the gas station parking lot, prosecutors said. —Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

The first big decision for the new hires should be to contradict Blank’s opinion about the most important position on the team. —Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 2026