Synonyms of contradict

contradict

verb

ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt 

1

as in to refute

to make an assertion that is contrary to one made by (another)

no matter what I say, you always have to contradict me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refute
• disagree (with)
• resist
• question
• gainsay
• challenge
• oppose
• rebut
• dispute
• contest
• confute
• fight
• cross

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agree (with)
• concur (with)
• confirm
• verify
• corroborate
• substantiate
• testify (to)
• certify
• witness
• attest
• authenticate
• vouch (for)
• avouch

2

as in to deny

to declare not to be true

his account contradicted the story that they had gotten earlier

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deny
• refute
• reject
• negate
• disavow
• disallow
• disclaim
• disown
• repudiate
• gainsay
• disaffirm
• negative
• disconfirm
• disprove
• traverse
• rebut
• disagree (with)
• challenge
• dispute
• confute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confirm
• allow
• acknowledge
• admit
• own
• accept
• concede
• adopt
• embrace
• maintain
• claim
• submit
• assert
• affirm
• declare
• avow
• announce
• profess
• verify
• espouse
• validate
• substantiate
• corroborate
• aver
• authenticate

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

Recent Examples of contradict

Many sided with the original poster, implying that her actions contradicted her stated desire for a long-term relationship. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

At the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces for Parents™ (both large and small- and medium-sized companies), a consistently positive experience at work contradicts the trend seen at typical workplaces, according to research from Great Place To Work®. —Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024

The Italian government’s skepticism directly contradicts the European Union’s position that arresting Netanyahu is non-negotiable. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Nov. 2024

Most Trump voters also don’t believe the tariffs will make prices higher—contradicting predictions from most experts—and the third that do think tariffs will lead to higher prices support them anyway. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024