DENY Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of deny are contradict , contravene , and gainsay . While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," 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 is it sensible to use 'contradict' instead of 'deny'?

The meanings of contradict and deny largely overlap; however, contradict implies an open or flat denial. // her account contradicts his

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

The words contravene and deny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility. // laws that contravene tradition

Q: When could 'gainsay' be used to replace 'deny'?

The synonyms gainsay and deny are sometimes interchangeable, but gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said. // no one can gainsay her claims

deny

verb

di-ˈnī

Definition of deny

as in to refute

to declare not to be true the congressman denied all charges of wrongdoing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to refuse

to be unwilling to grant the director denied access to the top secret files to all but those with a need to know

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reject

to refuse to acknowledge as one's own or as one's responsibility in a futile attempt to get out of the contract, he even denied his own signature

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deny differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deny are contradict, contravene, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," 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 is it sensible to use contradict instead of deny?

The meanings of contradict and deny largely overlap; however, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can contravene be used instead of deny?

The words contravene and deny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When could gainsay be used to replace deny?

The synonyms gainsay and deny are sometimes interchangeable, 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 deny But Jamaican officials have denied any record that he was born or has citizenship there, and James has been unable to provide proof, public records show. — Ryan J. Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 The city denied involvement in decisions concerning the spectators and an OutKick reporter, identifying the stadium operator and its subcontractors as responsible. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Its leader, Kumsa Diriba, also known as Jaal Marroo, denied that his fighters target civilians in an interview with The Associated Press published in February. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 Tehran denied any involvement in the incident at RAF Fairford. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deny

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 motion also argues that the letter contradicts what witnesses testified during the trial about the timeline of when Thompson reported her concerns about the medication log.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
The phone then stayed in the area for about an hour, contradicting Smith's testimony to police.

— News Editor, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of contradict

Verb

Central bank holdings at the New York Fed declined 40 tonnes in August, Goldman added, while holdings at the Bank of England rose 46 tonnes.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
For this story, however, the district declined to comment due to Ortiz’s lawsuit, which is ongoing.

— Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

By the time the 1960s women’s movement took off, feminists were disavowing the film, pointing out that all the female characters ever talked about were the men.

— Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Vance left a positive impression on his RJC audience while stopping short of disavowing influential conservative podcast host Tucker Carlson.

— Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of disavow

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“Deny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deny. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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