Synonyms for

Contradict

Verb / ˌkɑ:ntrʌˈdɪkt / Another word for contradict — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to say the opposite of what someone else has said; to deny or disagree with something

Synonyms & similar words

oppose negate controvert contravene belie affirm dispute oppose deny refute disagree challenge counter invalidate negate rebut withstand argue confute disaffirm disavow disclaim negative contravene gainsay oppose

Synonyms by register

Formal

controvert negate refute dispute

Informal

go against clash with be at odds with disagree with

Literary

impugn gainsay confute

Antonyms

agree support confirm affirm corroborate endorse uphold

Common collocations

  • contradict oneself
  • contradict the evidence
  • contradict the facts
  • contradict the statement
  • contradict the report
  • contradict the findings
  • contradict the theory

Word family

noun contradiction
verb contradict
adjective contradictory
adverb contradictorily

Usage note

To contradict means to state or show the opposite of what has been said or shown. Be careful not to confuse it with 'dictate', which means to command or lay down authoritatively.

Example sentences

  1. I will contradict what you said because it is not true.
  2. The boy will contradict his mother when he says he did not eat the cookies.
  3. The teacher will contradict the student's answer when it is incorrect.
  4. The lawyer will contradict the witness in court.
  5. The politician will contradict the other's statement in the debate.

Quotes

  • The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth. - Niels Bohr
  • Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things. - Isaac Newton
  • The truth is rarely pure and never simple. - Oscar Wilde

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