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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deny differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deny are contradict, contravene, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," 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 is it sensible to use contradict instead of deny?

The meanings of contradict and deny largely overlap; however, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can contravene be used instead of deny?

The words contravene and deny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When could gainsay be used to replace deny?

The synonyms gainsay and deny are sometimes interchangeable, 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 deny Federal officials previously denied a request by Blair County, Pennsylvania, prosecutors to allow Mangione to be taken to Pennsylvania to make in-person court appearances, and Mangione has thus far refused to appear remotely. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025 Andrew, 65, denies any wrongdoing, but stepped back from royal duties in 2019, over his Epstein links. NPR, 17 Oct. 2025 Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied Giuffre’s allegations. Max Foster, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025 The President denied making these comments, but audio of the comments has been published in UK newspapers. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deny
Verb
  • The couple has publicly refuted those claims, affirming the authenticity of their partnership.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Michaels took to her Instagram days after the release of Fit for TV to post a series of screenshots of text chains, email threads, and other pieces of documentation refuting or otherwise complicating each claim leveled at her.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • During one heated exchange, immigration agents who did not want to be captured on body camera footage refused to invite FBI agents along for an arrest operation, one of the sources said.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • According to Film Workers for Palestine, the pledge was inspired by Filmmakers United Against Apartheid, a group founded by high-profile directors such as Jonathan Demme and Martin Scorsese, which demanded that the film industry refuse to distribute work in South Africa.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The council had already rejected Allied once before, months earlier, over settlements — including back wages — that the company has had to pay out to current and former employees.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Teachers, students, and parents alike rejected the $850 million effort.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, the facts contradict these reports.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Arrest of Massachusetts teen A 13-year-old in Everett, Massachusetts, was detained by ICE and moved to a different state last week in a case in which local officials have contradicted a key statement from a DHS official.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hoyer declined to speculate on whether the major-league payroll would receive a boost after Wrigley Field hosted two playoff rounds.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The sentiment has affected Gulf IPOs, which are expected to decline to their lowest level since 2021.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Spanberger, who is leading in the governor's race, refusing to disavow him when given the opportunity in a debate Thursday.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Some cautioned that another prime minister picked from the ranks of Macron's fragile centrist camp would risk being disavowed by Parliament's powerful lower house, prolonging the crisis.
    NPR, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deny. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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