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

A jury acquitted Ortega’s client after screening video evidence that contradicted the government’s claims.

From Los Angeles Times

He was, in fact, publicly contradicting the stance of his commander-in-chief and yet he was never held accountable for that rogue statement of his.

From Salon

In a recent case, a federal jury acquitted Brayan Ramos-Brito of misdemeanor assault charges after evidence shown in court contradicted what Border Patrol agents had reported to justify his prosecution.

From Los Angeles Times

This a vital clause for the Arab nations, even if it is contradicted by another line in the plan which says Israel will still maintain its forces in the "security perimeter" of Gaza.

From BBC

But the show sparked a barrage of criticism online, with people saying the stunt contradicts Arc'teryx's image as a conservation-focused brand and calling for a boycott of its clothing line.

From BBC

Related Words

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