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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Nonetheless, President Lincoln decided to pragmatically sidestep the legal contradictions and agreed in the summer of 1862 to a comprehensive prisoner cartel.

From The Wall Street Journal

Though her film is singularly witty, Kramer refuses to shy away from tough subjects and perplexing contradictions.

From Salon

In my view, there’s no contradiction because wearing ashes in public, unlike righteous acts of giving alms, fasting and praying in public, is a sign that we are sinners and in need of repentance.

From The Wall Street Journal

It shows the city “in all its diversity, prejudices, contradictions, inequities and generosities.”

From Los Angeles Times

It sounds like a contradiction, but for Carroll, it's the difference between destiny and graft.

From BBC