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

Examples 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 Some studies say yes, EDC exposure is a significant risk factor for poorer health outcomes, while other reports contradict that. Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024 The literal collaging in her work complements and sometimes contradicts her purely painterly juxtapositions. Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Most importantly, refrain from belittling or contradicting one another’s dreams. Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The burden of justice:Delphi murder case jurors will face unimaginable pressure, life-changing decision Baldwin, his voice raising, said that contradicts Mullin's earlier testimony. Ron Wilkins, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contradict 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict
Verb
  • Local officials were quick to refute the rumors and show their support for the city's small immigrant community.
    Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 20 Nov. 2024
  • There have been reports that Russian troops now have access to Starlink satellites, though Musk has refuted the reports.
    Jenn Brice, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Motions by Yandell and Sylvester to overturn their guilty verdicts were denied by a federal judge this month and they’re set to be sentenced on Dec. 18, records show.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The insurers denied the accusations and convinced a judge to dismiss the suits on technical grounds.
    Max Blau, ProPublica, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Israel, like the United States, is not a member of the ICC and has challenged the court’s jurisdiction over its actions in the conflict – a challenge the court rejected on Thursday.
    Abbas Al Lawati, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
  • However, the judge rejected James’ claim in the lawsuit that alleged SiriusXM had engaged in fraud and deception by misleading subscribers seeking to cancel their accounts.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near contradict

Cite this Entry

“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradict

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