1
as in competition
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the eternal contest between the forces of good and the forces of evil
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tournament
a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize
a contest for the gold medal in diving
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
what mighty contests have been waged on trivial matters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to challenge
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
vowed to contest the claim in court
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contest
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
The contest was so compelling that fans watched it from the Chatrier stairwells, as Atmane delivered one of the most memorable shots of the tournament by missing an overhead entirely in what proved to be the penultimate game.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
That positioning is now contested.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Noun
Over the last 13 minutes of the second period and the first eight minutes of the third stanza, Colorado, while trailing 1-0 in a do-or-die contest, got one shot off.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
The contest was so compelling that fans watched it from the Chatrier stairwells, as Atmane delivered one of the most memorable shots of the tournament by missing an overhead entirely in what proved to be the penultimate game.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Verb
Thomas was set to contest the citation in court when the sheriff's office asked the court to dismiss the charge, CBS reported.
—Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
That positioning is now contested.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest
Noun
-
Pressure is a privilege and, in our case, the players took those competitions seriously.—
Zach McMahon,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
-
These high-rye bourbons are consistent gold medalists in international spirit competitions and all retail for under $50.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Clint Dempsey had the honor of representing the United States in three World Cups, and there were likely times during all three where questions about the roster came about once it was revealed before the tournament.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
28 May 2026
-
Garrincha was characterised as childish and moronic in psychological tests commissioned by the Brazilian federation before that tournament in Sweden and was then left out of their first two games.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Inconspicuous blows against Denver escalated to skirmishes.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
Meanwhile, the religious right profited handsomely from the skirmish.—
Isaac Butler,
New Yorker,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Between 48 percent off platform sandals that feel just as cushioned as sneakers, to 60 percent off flexible, low-profile sneakers that’ll never challenge an overpacked suitcase, any of the shoes below will carry you through your summer outings in style.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
-
Despite their great start, their opponents challenged them in different ways; opponents, including Chicopee, Winchester, O’Bryant, and Quincy, who all had strong serves, attacks and defense.—
Zach McMahon,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Clash in Italy will be one of the biggest premium live events for WWE in the wake of WrestleMania 42, featuring four title matches and a rivalry renewed.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2026
-
These two had a strong match at Full Gear 2025, and on a stage as large as Wembley Stadium, there is plenty of reason to revisit the rivalry.—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Da Messina’s Annunciation famously excises the angel Gabriel, while Ghirri’s version further edits the event by also obscuring the Virgin herself.—
James Quandt,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The hotel occupies 12 floors of a 42-story tower, offering 277 guest rooms and suites along with 15,000 square feet of event space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
On May 18, two armed teenagers entered the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing an armed security guard in a gun battle, then fatally shooting two men cornered in the parking lot, police said.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Staal made it 2-0 a minute and change later by winning a big boy net-front battle with Josh Anderson to pound in his second of the playoffs and continue his line’s dominance over the Canadiens.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
While DeGette has focused her comments on the need for humanitarian aid, Kiros has more directly criticized Israel and questioned its legitimacy as a state.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
Some questioned the legitimacy of the agreement since Burke had donated to the political campaigns of several council members who approved the settlement.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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