Definition of denynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deny differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deny are contradict, contravene, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

When is it sensible to use contradict instead of deny?

The meanings of contradict and deny largely overlap; however, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can contravene be used instead of deny?

The words contravene and deny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When could gainsay be used to replace deny?

The synonyms gainsay and deny are sometimes interchangeable, but gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

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 deny Thousands of Carolina Water Service customers across more than 40 North Carolina communities have signed a petition urging the commission to deny the broader rate request altogether. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 Continue reading … SCANDAL BREWS — US Olympians considering appeal of scoring decision that denied them gold. FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026 He was denied water, food, phone calls or other contact with family members. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026 Judges last month denied a motion by prosecutors to keep all three of them detained pending trial. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deny
Verb
  • This is a political tactic of the most crude sort, making no effort to refute an argument but to instead impugn the motives of those making it, along with the assumption that people with white skin can always and forever have only suspect motives.
    Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Browsh refutes the idea the NFL chose Bad Bunny as a political stunt.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Protesters stood in front of the main gate and refused to leave.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • If at a certain point the person refuses to cooperate, recruiters resort to blackmail, Andriy said, threatening to hand over the correspondence to the SBU.
    Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Zelenskyy previously stressed that the timing and format of any elections are matters solely for Ukraine and its citizens, rejecting any suggestion that the Kremlin could dictate the process.
    Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The council also rejected, narrowly, a flat 2% increase suggested by Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez in a 7-8 vote.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Every possible explanation that isn’t ruled out or contradicted by the already-existing data should be considered, and each hypothesis should be tested and examined as rigorously as possible.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • But surveillance footage released by Patel’s former attorney appeared to contradict the woman’s version of events, and the case quickly made international headlines.
    Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The driver and bicyclist declined to be transported to the hospital, according to officials.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The sheriff declined to answer several questions, including one from a reporter who asked if there was a ransom demanded.
    Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Prior to that, the council had also debated a whether El Cajon police should cooperate with ICE, a proposal which Kendrick had also disavowed.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Nobody is asking anybody to disavow their beliefs.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deny. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on deny

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