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 Those same agencies are now spreading obvious misinformation, widely contradicted by the medical field. Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 If the veracity and reliability of government data are regularly criticized and devalued by the administration anytime the facts contradict the administration’s positions, and those who speak out are at risk of losing their jobs, trust in all government data, and the agencies themselves, erodes. Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025 In October 2020, YouTube had announced a ban on videos that include claims about coronavirus vaccinations and treatments that contradicted information from health authorities. Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025 In other words, the administration is overstating the evidence, the FDA is contradicting itself, and the scientists who actually did the research are saying something altogether different. Dr. Craig Spencer, Time, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contradict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict
Verb
  • Further, research has not deeply examined Tylenol risks in young children, and many rigorous studies refute a link between vaccines and autism.
    Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The debunked claim that vaccines are tied to autism stems from a 1998 study by British gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield in The Lancet, which has since been refuted by numerous studies.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The organization denied any criminal activity.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Peng denies such ties, and says Pony’s Chinese expertise may give it advantages in the US — despite the hostile political climate.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors also sought another charge of making false statements, court documents released Thursday show, but the grand jury rejected it.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • ByteDance and TikTok had challenged the law on First Amendment grounds but the Supreme Court rejected its appeal.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradict

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