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 But a leaker contradicts this, claiming that the 17 Pro models will continue using titanium. PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025 And yet, the way that most people interested in a Theory of Everything have attempted to reckon with this problem is not to find an alternate approach that doesn’t have these features that contradict reality. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025 Limiting winery activities directly contradicts the state’s agritourism framework, which is designed to expand these very benefits. Elaine Lyttleton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025 Sometimes, these tellings contradict each other in small ways. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contradict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict
Verb
  • Szymon Laks, conductor of one of several male orchestras at Auschwitz-Birkenau, vehemently refuted the notion that music was helpful to anyone in the camp.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Ghana’s officials refuted the claims of the lawyers, saying the individuals were returned to their home nations.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Alan Jackson, a lawyer for Joaquin, denied the charges.
    Luc Cohen, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As press secretary, Jean-Pierre repeatedly denied reports regarding Biden’s mental fitness during his time in office.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Democrats have long conceded that the party needs a new vision after voters soundly rejected their presidential ticket last fall, and internal squabbles about the party’s future have spilled out into the public.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • China has rejected the accusation and accused the Philippines of damaging the coral reef ecosystem in the waterway instead.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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