contradict

verb

con·​tra·​dict ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt 

contradicted; contradicting; contradicts

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 

adjective

contradictor

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• disagree (with)
• gainsay

Choose the Right Synonym for contradict

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

When Foreign Law Conflicts With U.S. Law The stakes grow higher when foreign laws directly contradict U.S. tax rules. —Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.d., Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

However, an October oversight report contradicted that point, noting that people held at the county’s largest jail still report they are sometimes forced to sleep on floors due to lack of space. —Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024

Their argument: Shifting sunlight later in the day contradicts the body’s circadian rhythms. —Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 11 Dec. 2024

As these findings contradict other research that shows dehydration is a cause of muscle cramping, further study is needed.4 3. —Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing contradict

• contradict oneself

Kids Definition

contradict

verb

con·​tra·​dict ˌkän-trə-ˈdikt 

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 

noun