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View synonyms for contradict

contradict

[ kon-truh-dikt ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to assert the contrary or opposite of; deny directly and categorically.

    Synonyms: dispute, controvert, impugn, gainsay

    Antonyms: support

  2. to speak contrary to the assertions of:

    to contradict oneself.

    Synonyms: dispute, controvert, impugn, gainsay

  3. (of an action or event) to imply a denial of:

    His way of life contradicts his stated principles.

  4. Obsolete. to speak or declare against; oppose.


verb (used without object)

  1. to utter a contrary statement.

contradict

/ ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt /

verb

  1. tr to affirm the opposite of (a proposition, statement, etc)
  2. tr to declare (a proposition, statement, etc) to be false or incorrect; deny
  3. intr to be argumentative or contrary
  4. tr to be inconsistent with (a proposition, theory, etc)

    the facts contradicted his theory

  5. intr (of two or more facts, principles, etc) to be at variance; be in contradiction


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Derived Forms

  • ˌcontraˈdictable, adjective
  • ˌcontraˈdicter, noun
  • ˌcontraˈdictively, adverb
  • ˌcontraˈdictive, adjective
  • ˌcontraˈdictiveness, noun

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Other Words From

  • contra·dicta·ble adjective
  • contra·dicter contra·dictor noun
  • uncon·tra·dicta·ble adjective
  • uncon·tra·dicta·bly adverb
  • uncon·tra·dicted adjective
  • uncon·tra·dicted·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of contradict1

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin contrādictus “spoken against,” past participle of contrādīcere “to gainsay, speak against,” from contrā- contra- 1( def ) + dīcere “to say, speak, tell”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of contradict1

C16: from Latin contrādīcere, from contra- + dīcere to speak, say

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Synonym Study

See deny.

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Example Sentences

McCann has tried to tell daters these contradicting traits generally don’t come in the same package.

He said scholarly studies can often contradict each other, which may explain why these conversations persist.

Those responses have sometimes contradicted previous guidance from the agency, leaving health care providers confused about how money can be used and what the agency would seek to claw back.

We can contradict the breach with every prayer, every policy, every sermon from every pulpit, and every call to the people.

From Time

One of his early crimes, shown in flashback, appears to contradict that code.

Do the varied autopsy reports support or contradict witness testimony?

It would also contradict the official Ukrainian government line, which is that Russian personnel hit the button.

These orders must be specifically linked to his executive authority and must not contradict a statute passed by Congress.

And what if the parts we cannot see contradict the ones we do?

The report says, "In many cases, these NGO activities directly contradict American policies in support of peace efforts."

Thomas goes on to contradict Aristotle, in holding quod nullum ens esset nisi corpus.

The circle around did not exactly contradict him, but exhibited expressive appearances of incredulity.

Certainly, replied the shorter man; and whatever Mr. Giles says it isnt our place to contradict him.

But yet let not any man judge: and let not a man be rebuked: for thy people are as they that contradict the priest.

Somebody presumes to contradict him, and clearly proves to him that what he says is untrue.

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