CONTRADICTION Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

contradiction

noun

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-shən

Definition of contradiction

as in paradox

someone or something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another a loving father as well as a ruthless killer, the gangster is a living contradiction

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in denial

a refusal to confirm the truth of a statement the actress's contradiction of the marriage rumor caused quite a stir

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 contradiction The contradiction of the trim Parisian and the butter croissant now has a storefront. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 That contradiction sits at the center of the settlement discussion, and no amount of goodwill can negotiate around it. — Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 Babies taps into a conversation happening everywhere, finding humor in the pressures, expectations, and contradictions of modern adulthood. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 The beef also seemed to highlight some of his contradictions. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contradiction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradiction

Noun

Parton, who moved to Nashville in 1964, was immediately confronted with this paradox.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026
This tension is known as the automation paradox, in which increasingly capable automation gives human operators less practice, while leaving them only the most difficult situations.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of paradox

Noun

Entry denials have risen sharply over the past year and for reasons that did not constitute grounds for denial previously, including suspicions of anti-Israel views, say Israeli lawyers who represent travelers who were denied entry.

— Daniel Estrin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
Read more from Liz on the details of the ADA’s denials and how those involved have reacted.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of denial

Noun

Wilson’s whispering, Kermit-ish cadence juxtaposed with Heems’s audacious bars shorthands the borough’s rejection of one-size-fits-all characterization as one of the most diverse urban centers in the world.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
Some experts say the call for a temporary halt to more approvals should not be taken as a rejection of potential foreign investment in the country, but rather as a mechanism to establish clear rules, especially around transparency.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of rejection

Browse Nearby Words

contradicting

contradiction

contradictions

See all Nearby Words

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Style

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

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Synonyms of contradiction

noun

Example Sentences

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