CONTRADICT Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

contradict

verb

ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt

Definition of contradict next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to deny

to declare not to be true his account contradicted the story that they had gotten earlier

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 of contradict in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web In 2016, Proctor’s attorney said Glenn was reaching for his partner’s gun, but footage from the scene contradicted that claim. —

James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 At the time, right-wing politicians, including Netanyahu, came to Azaria’s defense, and some even called for him to be pardoned, directly contradicting then IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot’s statement that Azaria’s actions ran counter to IDF norms. —

Mairav Zonszein, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024 Often, the systems of control in these films contradict and even exploit the values and norms the protagonists embrace. —

Harry F. Dahms, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2024 The possibility of Meghan and Harry investing in a new property together would contradict those rumors. —

Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contradict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict

Verb

In the filing, prosecutors refute the defense's argument that McKinney III isn't a danger to the community or a flight risk and that evidence implicating him is limited.

Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 26 Oct. 2024
Neither are refuted or corrected with the same vigor and enthusiasm seen when the seed of scandal is first set.

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024