contradiction

American  

[kon-truh-dik-shuhn] / ˌkɒn trəˈdɪk ʃən /

noun

1. the act of contradicting; gainsaying or opposition.

2. assertion of the contrary or opposite; denial.

3. a statement or proposition that contradicts or denies another or itself and is logically incongruous.

4. direct opposition between things compared; inconsistency.

5. a contradictory act, fact, etc.

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contradiction British  

/ ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃən /

noun

1. the act of going against; opposition; denial

2. a declaration of the opposite or contrary

3. a statement that is at variance with itself (often in the phrase a contradiction in terms )

4. conflict or inconsistency, as between events, qualities, etc

5. a person or thing containing conflicting qualities

6. logic a statement that is false under all circumstances; necessary falsehood

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Other Word Forms

• intercontradiction noun

Etymology

Origin of contradiction

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English contradiccioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin contrādictiōn-, stem of contrādictiō “counterargument, objection, reply”; equivalent to contradict + -ion

Example Sentences

The study also resolves a long-standing contradiction about the SMC's gas.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

Steven J. Lockjaw, a military officer obsessed with Taylor’s revolutionary Perfidia Beverly Hills, overtly embodies this contradiction.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

The contradiction sparked widespread global confusion at the time, with businesses and world leaders calling for clarity.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Jean doesn’t try to explain away the contradiction.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

We laughed among ourselves at the idea of “warm” jail food; it was a contradiction in terms.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• conflict
• difference
• disagreement
• discrepancy
• dispute
• inconsistency