contradict

[kon-truh-dikt]

verb (used with object)

1. to assert the contrary or opposite of; deny directly and categorically.

   Synonyms: dispute, controvert, impugn, gainsay
   Antonyms: support

2. to speak contrary to the assertions of.

   to contradict oneself.

   Synonyms: dispute, controvert, impugn, gainsay

3. (of an action or event) to imply a denial of.

   His way of life contradicts his stated principles.

4. Obsolete.,  to speak or declare against; oppose.

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a contrary statement.

contradict

/ ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt /

verb

1. (tr) to affirm the opposite of (a proposition, statement, etc)

2. (tr) to declare (a proposition, statement, etc) to be false or incorrect; deny

3. (intr) to be argumentative or contrary

4. (tr) to be inconsistent with (a proposition, theory, etc)

   the facts contradicted his theory

5. (intr) (of two or more facts, principles, etc) to be at variance; be in contradiction

Other Word Forms

• contradictable adjective
• contradicter noun
• contradictor noun
• uncontradictable adjective
• uncontradictably adverb
• uncontradicted adjective
• uncontradictedly adverb
• contradictiveness noun
• contradictively adverb
• contradictive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contradict¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin contrādictus “spoken against,” past participle of contrādīcere “to gainsay, speak against,” from contrā- contra- ¹ ( def. ) + dīcere “to say, speak, tell”

Word History and Origins

Origin of contradict¹

C16: from Latin contrādīcere, from _contra- + dīcere to speak, say

Synonym Study

See deny.

Example Sentences

This result contradicts a scientific explanation that has shaped the understanding of the Faraday Effect since the nineteenth century.

Read more on Science Daily

The U.S. president said the crown prince “knew nothing about” Khashoggi’s death, contradicting the CIA, which at the time assessed that the royal orchestrated the killing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But he clearly contradicted his top diplomat’s upbeat assertions that Washington was pleased with Mexico’s anti-drug efforts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I wouldn’t disagree, my lady,” Margaret replied diplomatically, for who would dare contradict Lady Constance?

Read more on Literature

Sinclair’s filing contradicted such arguments, writing that “greater scale will also strengthen broadcasters’ ability to sustain their vital public service role in producing local news.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• belie 
• contravene 
• counter 
• deny 
• differ 
• disprove 
• negate 
• repudiate