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 Kennedy's embrace of alternative therapies has been contradicted by other health experts, including former Trump administration officials. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025 Israel is skeptical of talks but is careful not to contradict Trump publicly while preparing its military for a possible attack. Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2025 Under the law, states and cities can’t set their own energy conservation standards that would contradict federal ones. Akielly Hu, Wired News, 29 Mar. 2025 The Trump administration argued on Thursday that California’s policy contradicts FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law that allows parents to access their children’s educational records. Dana Goldstein, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contradict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradict
Verb
  • Trump’s own Social Security chief eventually refuted the claim.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
  • His lawyers refute the charges and argue no crimes have been committed that violate his visa.
    Anna Spiegel, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The government of Isla Mujeres also denied that the event was taking place there.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • At her appearance, the Court denied the state’s motion to detain Formella pre-trial and released her with conditions including no entry into Downers Grove South High School and no contact with anyone under the age of eighteen.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The company must take the job listing down and reject all the candidates that applied.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Two lower courts had already rejected the legal challenge by Democrat Josh Kaul, who argues that Musk’s offer violates a state law.
    Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contradict. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contradict

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