contradict

verb

con·​tra·​dict ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt How to pronounce contradict (audio)
contradicted; contradicting; contradicts
Synonyms of contradict

transitive verb

1
: to assert the contrary of : take issue with
contradict a rumor
She contradicted her brother's account of what happened.
2
: to imply the opposite or a denial of
Your actions contradict your words.
The evidence contradicts his testimony.
contradictable
ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-tə-bəl How to pronounce contradict (audio)
adjective
contradictor
ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-tər How to pronounce contradict (audio)
noun

Synonyms of contradict

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deny, gainsay, contradict, contravene 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

gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

Examples of contradict in a Sentence

He contradicted the charges of his critics. My sister doesn't like being contradicted. The mayor's actions in office contradicted the promises he made during the campaign.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There have even been times the commander in chief contradicted himself and his own Cabinet in the same week — and sometimes, the same day. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Once the story was published, General al-Burhan’s office denied giving a statement that contradicted the SAF’s official stance of pursuing a military victory. — Mat Nashed, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026 Critics say its removal contradicts the program’s founding mission and longstanding curatorial principles. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Evidence contradicted his story of being attacked with a box cutter, including an absence of blood on the weapon’s blade, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contradict

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin contrādictus, past participle of contrādīcere, contrā dīcere "to speak against, object to, oppose, assert the contrary," from contrā contra- + dīcere "to talk, speak, say" — more at diction

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contradict was in 1582

Phrases Containing contradict

Rhymes for contradict

See All Rhymes for contradict

Browse Nearby Words

contra dance
contradict
contradictedness
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Cite this Entry

“Contradict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contradict. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contradict

verb
con·​tra·​dict ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt How to pronounce contradict (audio)
1
: to say the opposite of what someone else has said : deny the truth of
2
: to be opposed or contrary to : go against
your actions contradict your words
contradictor
-ˈdik-tər How to pronounce contradict (audio)
noun
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