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

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

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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

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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

Example 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 Once the story was published, General al-Burhan’s office denied giving a statement that contradicted the SAF’s official stance of pursuing a military victory. — Mat Nashed, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026 Critics say its removal contradicts the program’s founding mission and longstanding curatorial principles. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Evidence contradicted his story of being attacked with a box cutter, including an absence of blood on the weapon’s blade, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors reduced some to misdemeanors, and dismissed others when evidence came to light that directly contradicted what agents had alleged happened. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contradict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict

Verb

Brittany Howard, the band’s lead singer and charismatic frontwoman, has spent much of the past decade refuting that notion.

— Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2026
New documents obtained by The Associated Press and The Guardian refute that testimony.

— Ali Swenson, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of refute

Verb

Anderson, who long had been considered a suspect in Shakur’s killing, denied involvement before his death in an unrelated Compton shooting in 1998 at age 23.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
Edwards has denied the allegations, but ended his reelection bid after the House Ethics Committee posted their investigative findings last month.

— Claudia Grisales, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of deny

Verb

The Athletic reported on Monday that all parties have now been in direct communication to confirm the deal is off after City’s bid of an initial £75m and £5m in add-ons was rejected.

— The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Palal also rejected the defense’s contention that Davis fabricated his accounts to make money.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of reject

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“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contradict

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