Synonyms of contravene

contravene

verb

ˌkän-trə-ˈvēn 

as in to violate

to fail to keep

the unauthorized reproduction of the image contravenes copyright laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violate
• break
• breach
• transgress
• offend
• infringe (on or upon)
• fracture
• disobey
• ignore
• flout
• traduce
• disregard
• rebel
• resist
• neglect
• overlook
• dismiss
• pass over
• slight
• defy
• withstand
• blow off
• tune out
• brush (off)
• wink (at)
• scorn
• shrug off
• pooh
• overpass
• pooh-pooh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• obey
• observe
• comply (with)
• conform (to)
• serve
• mind
• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• hear
• listen (to)
• notice
• regard
• attend
• watch
• mark
• surrender (to)
• note
• defer (to)
• heed

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contravene differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contravene are contradict, deny, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When is it sensible to use contradict instead of contravene?

While in some cases nearly identical to contravene, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can deny be used instead of contravene?

The words deny and contravene can be used in similar contexts, 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

In what contexts can gainsay take the place of contravene?

The words gainsay and contravene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contravene

The Court should not permit the Fifth Circuit to continue its practice of contravening foundational equitable principles by ordering universal relief. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025

Iran is the aggressor and continues to contravene the laws of war. —Steven Katz, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025

Seventeen European Union countries accused Hungary on Tuesday of contravening fundamental EU values by passing laws that target LGBTQ people, as tensions deepen between Budapest and a majority of member states. —Reuters, NBC news, 27 May 2025

In his speech before Congress, which was delivered in 2015, the pope urged a welcoming hand to refugees, not rejection, a theme that contravenes today’s Trump Administration policy of blocking newcomers at U.S. borders. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025