CONTEST Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

contest 1 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌtest

Definition of contest

as in competition

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another the eternal contest between the forces of good and the forces of evil

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tournament

a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize a contest for the gold medal in diving

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in skirmish

a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups what mighty contests have been waged on trivial matters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truce

contest

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtest

as in to challenge

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of vowed to contest the claim in court

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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 contest

Noun

As Congress passed landmark civil-rights legislation in the nineteen-sixties, the contest in the Supreme Court over natural law moved to concepts of autonomy and privacy. — Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026 Carr’s father, Chris, played six seasons in the NBA, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 1997 NBA dunk contest. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Verb

The content of natural law has been contested throughout our history, but, over the long haul, liberals have fared well in reading the Constitution in light of the higher principles of fundamental justice. — Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026 Before Hawley announced the investigation, Steiner contested Hawley’s claims about postal service failures in Missouri. — Jack Harvel july 2, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest

Noun

Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
In an interview with Mental Floss, competitive eater Yasir Salem discusses how speed eaters will chew gum to strengthen their jaws to avoid fatigue during competitions.

— Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Cardwell has anchored the defense for a team that could contend for its second Summer League championship in six years after winning the tournament in 2021.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Captain Tim Ream entered the media area after the defeat, a shell of a man who had spent the previous days proudly leading the team throughout this tournament, playing in four US matches at this World Cup.

— David Close, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of tournament

Noun

The skirmishes date back to shortly after Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City in July 2022.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham’s point toward Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner amid a heated skirmish during their game has gone mega viral.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of skirmish

Noun

True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
There have been naval battles and beheadings and aerial battles and, well, more beheadings.

— Brian Grubb, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of battle

Verb

Buchhorn’s conviction was overturned in 2021, after the Court of Appeals of Kansas found Buchhorn’s defense did not sufficiently question Erik Mitchell of Frontier Forensics Midwest, an independent contractor who performed Oliver’s autopsy.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Trump has routinely teased the possibility of seeking a third term since returning to office and openly questioned whether he would be allowed to do so.

— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026