Contradict — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt/ con·tra·dict

Meaning & Definition of Contradict

Contradict (verb)

  1. to assert the contrary of, take issue with
  2. to imply the opposite or a denial of

Contradict (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make an assertion that is contrary to one made by (another)

    "no matter what I say, you always have to contradict me"

    similar: disagree (with), gainsay
    related: challenge, contest, dispute, question, confute, rebut, refute, cross, fight, oppose, resist
    opposite: agree (with), concur (with)
    near: confirm, corroborate, substantiate, verify, attest, authenticate, avouch, certify, testify (to), vouch (for), witness

  2. to declare not to be true

    "his account contradicted the story that they had gotten earlier"

    similar: deny, disaffirm, disallow, disavow, disclaim, disconfirm, disown, gainsay, negate, negative, refute, reject, repudiate
    related: traverse, challenge, confute, disprove, rebut, disagree (with), dispute
    opposite: acknowledge, admit, allow, avow, concede, confirm, own
    near: accept, adopt, embrace, espouse, affirm, announce, assert, aver, claim, declare, maintain, profess, submit, authenticate, corroborate, substantiate, validate, verify

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Contradict

The most common words with a similar meaning to Contradict:

disagree (with), gainsay, deny, disaffirm, disallow, disavow, disclaim, disconfirm, disown, negate, negative, refute, reject, repudiate

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Contradict

Words with the opposite meaning of Contradict:

agree (with), concur (with), acknowledge, admit, allow, avow, concede, confirm, own

Related Words for Contradict

challenge, contest, dispute, question, confute, rebut, cross, fight, oppose, resist, traverse, disprove

Near Antonyms of Contradict

corroborate, substantiate, verify, attest, authenticate, avouch, certify, testify (to), vouch (for), witness, accept, adopt, embrace, espouse, affirm, announce, assert, aver, claim, declare, maintain, profess, submit, validate

Word Forms of Contradict

Inflections: contradicted, contradicting, contradicts

Derived words: contradictable (adjective), contradictor (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Contradict

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" diction

First known use: 1582

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Contradict

  • Topics: Common Actions / Verbs

Words & Phrases Containing Contradict

contradict oneself

Frequently Asked Questions about Contradict

What does "Contradict" mean?

"Contradict" means to assert the contrary of, take issue with. As a verb, it is defined as: to assert the contrary of, take issue with. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Contradict"?

Other words for "Contradict" include disagree (with), gainsay, deny, disaffirm, disallow, disavow, disclaim and disconfirm. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Contradict" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Contradict"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Contradict". Common alternatives include disagree (with), gainsay, deny, disaffirm, disallow, disavow, disclaim, disconfirm, disown and negate.

What is the opposite of "Contradict"?

Antonyms of "Contradict" include agree (with), concur (with), acknowledge, admit, allow, avow, concede and confirm. Near antonyms include corroborate, substantiate, verify and attest.

How do you use "Contradict" in a sentence?

Examples of "Contradict" in a sentence: "no matter what I say, you always have to contradict me"; "his account contradicted the story that they had gotten earlier".

Is "Contradict" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Contradict" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Contradict"?

"Contradict" is pronounced /ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt/ and divided into syllables as con·tra·dict.

What is the origin of the word "Contradict"?

"Contradict" comes from 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" diction. First known use: 1582.