Synonyms 1. dispute, controvert, oppose, gainsay. Deny, contradict both imply objecting to or arguing against something. To deny is to say that something is not true: to deny an allegation. To contradict is to declare that the contrary is true: to contradict a statement.5. renounce, abjure.
c.1300, from O.Fr. denier, from L. denegare, from de- "away" + negare "refuse, say 'no,' " from Old L. nec "not," from Italic base *nek- "not," from PIE base *ne- "no, not" (see un-).