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 There is evidence contradicting Lehlanya’s protests. Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2025 The state attorney’s office cited four reasons: Olea denied the allegation, inconsistent statements made by the victims, contradicting and or no corroborating witnesses, and insufficient evidence. Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025 In the hours following the attack, the was some initial confusion about whether law enforcement was investigating it as a terrorist incident, as the New Orleans mayor and an FBI special agent gave contradicting answers. Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 His support, which contradicts the beliefs of many Trump loyalists, largely reflects the sentiment of Project 2025—a policy agenda applauded by many of Trump's supporters. Mandy Taheri, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contradict 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict
Verb
  • The agency has since refuted the claim the couple was involved in its decision to separate from the actor.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • News of the affidavit was first reported by NBC News, which reported that Samantha refuted many of the claims in the affidavit in a statement to NBC.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And the Supreme Court has reaffirmed it in the years since — including in the 1982 case Plyler v. Doe, which held that states cannot deny students a free public education based on their immigration status.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Her office denied Spotlight on Maryland’s interview requests, but provided a comment from the legislator.
    Gary Collins, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Greens, blues, and reds remain masculine while rejecting the conventions of more conservative styles.
    Ian Malone, Vogue, 18 Jan. 2025
  • While the Obama administration rejected Cheney’s outsized role for itself, Joe Biden still became a close adviser and helped achieve administration goals.
    Roy Brownell, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near contradict

Cite this Entry

“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradict

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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