Synonyms of contravene

contravene

verb

ˌkän-trə-ˈvēn 

as in to violate

to fail to keep

the unauthorized reproduction of the image contravenes copyright laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violate
• break
• breach
• transgress
• offend
• infringe (on or upon)
• fracture
• disobey
• ignore
• flout
• traduce
• disregard
• rebel
• resist
• neglect
• overlook
• dismiss
• pass over
• slight
• defy
• withstand
• blow off
• tune out
• brush (off)
• wink (at)
• scorn
• shrug off
• pooh
• overpass
• pooh-pooh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• obey
• observe
• comply (with)
• conform (to)
• serve
• mind
• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• hear
• listen (to)
• notice
• regard
• attend
• watch
• mark
• surrender (to)
• note
• defer (to)
• heed

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contravene differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contravene are contradict, deny, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When is it sensible to use contradict instead of contravene?

While in some cases nearly identical to contravene, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can deny be used instead of contravene?

The words deny and contravene can be used in similar contexts, but deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

In what contexts can gainsay take the place of contravene?

The words gainsay and contravene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of contravene

Despite Guterres reiterating that Russia's invasion contravenes the UN Charter, Ukraine's leadership remains firm in opposing any engagement that legitimizes Russia's actions. —Katya Soldak, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Audi Side-view cameras cut drag slightly, but contravene the federal motor vehicle safety standards. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 31 July 2024

Critics claimed this post in itself contravened X’s rules regarding disinformation. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 July 2024

Cannon has made a series of rulings that some outside observers have said contravened the law in Trump-favorable ways. —Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024