1
as in competition
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the eternal contest between the forces of good and the forces of evil
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tournament
a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize
a contest for the gold medal in diving
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
what mighty contests have been waged on trivial matters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to challenge
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
vowed to contest the claim in court
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contest
Saikou Jammeh, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Landeskog will be in the lineup for the Colorado Eagles in an AHL contest at Blue Arena in Loveland against the Henderson Silver Knights.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025
Josh Meyer, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
In 2023, the authorities began referring to him as a prisoner of war, a status Solovyov seeks to contest since the student wasn't a combatant.
—Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contest
Noun
Here is what to know about the presidential contest.
—Saikou Jammeh, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Landeskog will be in the lineup for the Colorado Eagles in an AHL contest at Blue Arena in Loveland against the Henderson Silver Knights.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
Immediately after the election, and while Trump was still contesting Biden's victory, CISA issued a statement declaring that the general election was the most secure in U.S. history.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
In 2023, the authorities began referring to him as a prisoner of war, a status Solovyov seeks to contest since the student wasn't a combatant.
—Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contest
Noun
-
The major driver for the decline in coal use is the economic competition with cheaper and cleaner fuels, such as natural gas and renewables, Ryna Cui, research director for the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland, told ABC News.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2025
-
That also plays out of competition in Cannes Premiere.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Kings defeated the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the play-in tournament before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that would have sent them to the playoffs as the No.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The Heat can finish the regular season anywhere between eighth and 10th place in the East, as the NBA’s play-in tournament features the seventh-through-10th-place teams competing for the final two playoff seeds in each conference.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
However the trade saga develops from here, the first skirmishes in a trade war, a dreaded relic of the Great Depression, have begun in the 21st century.—
Jeff Sommer,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
After all, listening is a great tool for influencing people, navigating conflict, and soothing relationship skirmishes.—
Aditi Shrikant,
CNBC,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The judge heard arguments in the case after a federal judge in Massachusetts transferred the 30-year-old's lawsuit challenging her detention to Vermont rather than dismiss it or send it to Louisiana as the U.S. Justice Department wanted.—
Nate Raymond,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265, which went on an historic two-and-a-half week strike in March after negotiations for a new contract broke down, had filed a petition with the Sixth District Court of Appeal on April 1, challenging the ruling of the Santa Clara County Superior Court.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
What has endured and evolved, however, is a fierce rivalry in an event that is now huge business, watched by up to 250,000 in person, millions more on television (the races are being screened live on BBC One) and sponsored by French luxury brand Chanel, no less.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
-
While known for his exceptional mic skills, Punk also consistently delivered in-ring performances, with his rivalry against John Cena and Rey Mysterio producing some of his most iconic bouts.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
These events devastate local communities not just as the tragedy unfolds but in its aftermath.—
Shoshi Parks,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Volunteering with professional organizations or at industry events is another powerful way to demonstrate your skills, initiative, and passion for your field.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Rather, Awuah-Darko wants his story to reach people, whether through Instagram or this article, who feel alone in their battles, even if that comes with backlash.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
For Episode 15 of the current 17th season that aired on April 11, 2025, the eliminated queens were spotlighted by returning to battle for a $50,000 prize in a series of emotional and high-energy lip syncs, as was the popular Korean drinking game that Rosé and Mars sing about in their duet.—
Jeff Benjamin,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Thus, some investors are questioning if high-performing AI models really cost as much as advertised.—
Tomas Milar,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
A number of filmmakers and institutions are questioning the legality of NEH grant cancellations, pointing out that the funding was originally authorized by Congress.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contest. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share