CONTRAVENE Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'contravene' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contravene are contradict , deny , and gainsay . While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility. // laws that contravene tradition

Q: When is it sensible to use 'contradict' instead of 'contravene'?

While in some cases nearly identical to contravene , contradict implies an open or flat denial. // her account contradicts his

Q: When can 'deny' be used instead of 'contravene'?

The words deny and contravene can be used in similar contexts, 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: In what contexts can 'gainsay' take the place of 'contravene'?

The words gainsay and contravene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said. // no one can gainsay her claims

contravene

verb

ˌkän-trə-ˈvēn

Definition of contravene

as in to violate

to fail to keep the unauthorized reproduction of the image contravenes copyright laws

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How does the verb contravene differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contravene are contradict, deny, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When is it sensible to use contradict instead of contravene?

While in some cases nearly identical to contravene, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can deny be used instead of contravene?

The words deny and contravene can be used in similar contexts, 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

In what contexts can gainsay take the place of contravene?

The words gainsay and contravene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 contravene This bill would clearly contravene those decisions by mandating termination of US citizenship where an individual maintains another. — Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 Securing influence in regional forums also helps China deflect criticism and advance its preferred norms, which often contravene Western priorities. — Alicia R. Chen, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2025 In the years intervening, the poem has remained a lodestar, a contravening presence when, in present day America’s vituperative political landscape, the humanities disciplines and higher education itself has been forced to invoke and defend its own authority. — Elaine L. Wang september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 Ukraine's skeleton racer and flag bearer Vladyslav Heraskevych was seen wearing his helmet honoring athletes from his country who were killed during the war with Russia in training this afternoon, despite the IOC saying earlier that the helmet contravenes the Olympic Charter guidelines. — Sean Nevin, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contravene

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contravene

violate

Verb

Judge Sullivan concluded in his June 25 decision to order Blanche to release more information or explain himself that Blanche had likely violated the transparency law.

— Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Guests were reportedly required to sign nondisclosure agreements before receiving any event details (although the NDAs were said not to have included any penalties for violating the terms).

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of violate

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contravene

contravened

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“Contravene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravene. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of contravene

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