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 Creation, they were told, literally occurred over seven days; science and scientists contradicted the Bible and could not be trusted. — Felice J. Freyer, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026 Pro's marginal performance improvement over its cheaper V4 Flash, contradicts DeepSeek's prior narrative that AI was becoming too inexpensive. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 O'Neill previewed the states' arguments, which rely heavily on internal Meta communications and studies that the states say contradicted many of the company's public statements. — John Ruwitch, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026 But others have contradicted the Tee Times account, particularly Joel Beall from Golf Digest. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contradict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict

Verb

So thankful to Alabama Athletics for refuting it on my behalf.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
The State Department has refuted the allegations against Chen.

— Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of refute

Verb

During a month in detention, Khan was denied access to medications for hypothyroidism, high blood pressure and glaucoma, according to testimony by her daughter, Riya Khan.

— Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
He was then kept at Palace the following season playing just eight times, being denied the opportunity for a temporary move away, before playing 36 times for Sheffield United in the Championship in 2024-25, scoring seven times.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of deny

Verb

Pakistan’s government rejected the allegations over the weekend, saying Khan was examined by doctors from the private hospital and that he could not be taken to Shifa International for security reasons.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Importantly, the jury's decision is advisory, meaning the ultimate decision rests with the judge, who can accept or reject the conclusions.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of reject

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“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of contradict

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