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 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 As Neptune swims through Pisces’ Mutable waters, the boundaries between reality and fantasy dissolve, which totally contradicts Sagittarius’ quest for truth and clarity. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024 The show is never afraid to spin more contradicting details to its biography, and that’s half the fun of keeping up with the many seasons of The Simpsons. 87. —

Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024 But the scare device also contradicts the fashionable, secular ancestor-worship that replaces Christian doctrine for black progressives. —

Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024 Politico notes that contradicts with reports from Azerbaijan officials, who say the plane was ordered to fly across the Caspian Sea after being refused permission to land at a different Russian airport. —

Alison Durkee, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contradict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict

Verb

The complaint then lists multiple examples refuting claims that were allegedly made out of context.

Charna Flam, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025
Baldoni’s attorneys said the example was just one of many that soundly refute Lively’s allegations.

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025