DENYINGLY Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deny 1 of 2

verb (1)

di-ˈnī

Definition of deny

as in to refute

to declare not to be true the congressman denied all charges of wrongdoing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to refuse

to be unwilling to grant the director denied access to the top secret files to all but those with a need to know

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reject

to refuse to acknowledge as one's own or as one's responsibility in a futile attempt to get out of the contract, he even denied his own signature

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

denying

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of deny

as in refuting

to declare not to be true the congressman denied all charges of wrongdoing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in refusing

to be unwilling to grant the director denied access to the top secret files to all but those with a need to know

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rejecting

to refuse to acknowledge as one's own or as one's responsibility in a futile attempt to get out of the contract, he even denied his own signature

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Verb

The Lincoln County Planning Board was unanimous in previously recommending the commissioners deny the request. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026 The sheriff, after a review, said evidence was miscounted, but denied theft. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Verb

Various extremist actors in Germany are inciting hatred and violence against Jews or the State of Israel, or denying its right to exist. — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026 From their perspective, governments have an important responsibility to tread carefully when denying entry to migrants and especially when deporting them. — J. Toby Reiner, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deny

Verb

At the root of it all is negligence, which is refuted and embodied by our challenging heroine.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026
Following the bombshell story, the palace released a rare statement refuting Spencer’s claims.

— Staff Author, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of refute

Verb

Requests for heavy construction equipment, in particular, are often rejected; Israeli officials say Hamas fighters could use it to dig tunnels.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
The court rejected Kalshi’s broad interpretation of the Commodity Exchange Act and upheld an order allowing Nevada to enforce its gambling regulations against Kalshi’s sports event contracts.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

El-Sayed has since disavowed Piker’s controversial statements and ended plans for joint campaigning, but has not categorically repudiated him nor apologized for appearing with him.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
El-Sayed has since disavowed Piker's controversial statements and ended plans for joint campaigning, but has not categorically repudiated him nor apologized for appearing with him.

— CBS News, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of disavow

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Style

“Deny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deny. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of deny

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