Contradict

/ˌkɒn.tɹəˈdɪkt/ · verb

Meaning

To deny the truth or validity of (a statement or statements)..

Definitions by Sense

1. To deny the truth or validity of (a statement or statements).
2. To oppose (a person) by denying the truth or pertinence of a given statement.
3. To be contrary to (something).
4. (reflexive) To say things that conflict with each other.
5. (obsolete) To give an order contrary to (another order or wish), oppose (something).
6. (obsolete) To give an order contrary to one given by (another person), oppose or resist (someone).
7. (obsolete) To speak against; to forbid.

Example Sentences

His testimony contradicts hers.

1651, Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, London: Andrew Crooke, Chapter 42 “Of Power Ecclesiasticall,” p. 270, […] the Ministers of Christ in this world, have no Power by that title, to Punish any man for not Beleeving, or for Contradicting what they say;

Day after day passed away without bringing any other tidings of him than the report which shortly prevailed in Meryton of his coming no more to Netherfield the whole winter; a report which highly incensed Mrs. Bennet, and which she never failed to contradict as a most scandalous falsehood.

I spent the whole long hike back to camp thinking about that amazing letter. It didn’t sound in the least like anything he had ever said in class. Oh, I don’t mean it contradicted anything he had told us in class; it was just entirely different in tone.

Everything he says contradicts me.

Dear Duff, I prithee, contradict thyself, And say it is not so.

[…] all these people having deservedly the reputation of good sense, penetration, and so-forth, I cannot contradict them with credit to myself.

“I always contradict my husband when he says that,” said Mrs. Thornbury sweetly. “You men! Where would you be if it weren’t for the women!”

Synonyms for contradict

Antonyms for contradict

Related Words

Word Forms

• contradicts
• contradicting
• contradicted

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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