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

Derived Forms

• ˌcontraˈdictiveness, noun
• ˌcontraˈdictable, adjective
• ˌcontraˈdictively, adverb
• ˌcontraˈdictive, adjective
• ˌcontraˈdicter, noun

Other Word Forms

• contra·dicta·ble adjective
• contra·dicter contra·dictor noun
• uncon·tra·dicta·ble adjective
• uncon·tra·dicta·bly adverb
• uncon·tra·dicted adjective
• uncon·tra·dicted·ly adverb

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

"Under the guise of protecting public order, it is used to punish anti-war views, criticism of authorities, and the dissemination of information - including truthful information - if it contradicts the official narrative," the lawyers argued.

From BBC

He also insisted the negotiations in Oman would be indirect, contradicting Trump's surprise announcement on Monday that they would be "direct talks".

From BBC

It did not respond directly to Mr Abu Tawileh's allegations but said it took any actions "which contradict its values very seriously".

From BBC

Dutton appeared to contradict her, saying, "we got the policy wrong in that regard and we've made it clear, now, our position."

From BBC

Badenoch was also contradicted by Tory MP Fuller, who told LBC that Conservative MPs had experienced similar issues in China and he wanted to support the right to travel to other countries.

From BBC

Related Words

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