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 The administrator recalled calling child services the day after hearing about the inappropriate conduct and faxed a report three days after that, both of which Henry said contradicted the timeline set by Maryland law and Prince George’s County schools’ own policy. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 3 Feb. 2025 But Patel didn’t contradict Trump on his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025 The governing body has contradicted itself repeatedly about whether the tests measured testosterone. Forbes, 28 Jan. 2025 Bidding interest aside, a number of legal and tech experts have told CNBC that Trump's executive order to delay the TikTok ban contradicts the Supreme Court's earlier ruling to uphold the PAFACA and could face legal opposition. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for contradict 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict
Verb
  • These claims, which the USCCB refuted in a statement, lead to confusion among the faithful and undermine this critical, core ministry.
    William McCarthy, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The podcast host also refuted the book's assertion that Harris' team sent a staffer to scout his Austin studio.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Grammy-winning rapper, who has denied all accusations against him, remains in custody at the Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
  • As a result, the court gave the Metropolitan AME Church ownership of the trademark, giving them the right to deny use of the group's name and yellow or black laurel wreath symbol.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The passage of the bill signals a GOP civil war brewing between DeSantis and Perez and Albritton, who rejected the governor's immigration proposal in favor of their own plan.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
  • But in September 2022 the new constitution was voted down, rejected in all 16 regions in Chile.
    Sammy Feldblum, The Dial, 30 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near contradict

Cite this Entry

“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradict

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