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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contravene

For example, the Times' flawed analysis leads its readers to believe that Israel's loosening of its rules of engagement after Oct. 7 contravenes the norms of war. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

Will the new code of conduct also include sanctions for those who contravene it? —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024

This was all destroyed, but weapons inspectors have since found evidence that contravenes the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention supervised by the OPCW. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Iran has contravened the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) by enhancing its chemical weapons capabilities for home and international use, says the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024