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

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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

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

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 In 2007, Tennessee’s extremely low Nation's Report Card scores in reading and math, which contradicted our own state assessment results, served as a wake-up call. — Lamar Alexander, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 Reyes denied the government’s motion to recuse, asserting the facts contradict the administration’s criticism. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026 An agent also needs to know where information came from, when it was updated and whether another source contradicts it. — Shekhar Iyer, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The contradicting geological and orbital observations for Phobos and Deimos collected to date have prevented scientists from definitively establishing one hypothesis over the other. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contradict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict

Verb

Ramaswamy has also refuted allegations his fortune came from misleading investors.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Others describe the studies necessary to replicate, refute or refine these advances and ensure the necessary scientific rigor to successfully discover and develop new drugs.

— Fred D. Ledley, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of refute

Verb

The brothers, through their spokesmen, denied the allegations.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
The two sides have clashed mightily over data centers, which are broadly unpopular with the public and which the No campaign says could make a bid for the streamlined permitting process, something the Yes side strenuously denies.

— Andrew Graham October 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of deny

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“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of contradict

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