1
as in rivalries
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tournaments
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 skirmishes
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
what mighty contests have been waged on trivial matters
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in challenges
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
vowed to contest the claim in court
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contests
Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
There will be traditional folk dancing along with games and contests.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
None of the three contests the Panthers have played bear much of a resemblance to each other.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
In seven career contests against KC, including six with the Tennessee Titans, Henry has averaged 103 rushing yards and scored a total of nine touchdowns.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
During its heyday, the mall hosted various contests and events that shaped the social fabric of Citrus Heights and the surrounding area.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The events also feature memorabilia displays, VIP meet-and-greet opportunities, costume contests and more, as detailed on the tour website.
—Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Western Hills, after a season-opening win over North Side, has lost its last two contests.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025
Unlimited drinks, two-for-one specials and drinking contests are also off-limits.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
If the president contests that decision, Congress must resolve the dispute, requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers to maintain the vice president's authority.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
And in Georgia, aggressive roll maintenance and steady Republican registration drives have helped the GOP blunt Democrats’ earlier gains and remain competitive in statewide contests.
—Verb
The high court’s decision did not address the underlying merits of the lawsuit, which contests the Department of Homeland Security’s revocation policy.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for contests
Noun
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South African suburban satire/crime drama Koek [Cake]; and British series Rivals, an adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel of 1980s media and political rivalries.—
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The aftermath of that bout has created a host of new questions and rivalries.—
Noun
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In 15- to 18-year-old junior tournaments, college coaches walk the course wearing their school polos while teenagers chase scholarships.—
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On the international stage, Lyles has been a regular for Canada, competing in both junior and senior tournaments, including the 2024 Paris Olympics.—
Noun
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All these years later, Corigliano’s symphony has outlasted those skirmishes and emerged sounding fresh and exciting and powerful.—
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Although the Hatfield-McCoy relationship has been fraught since the birth of the medium, streaming and cord-cutting has turned financial skirmishes into an existential contest.—
Verb
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The inquiry challenges the extent to which social media companies are responsible when users engage with and confess to violence online.—
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The lawsuit, filed on behalf of four plaintiffs, challenges ICE’s practices of lengthy detentions and courthouse arrests.—
Noun
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For example, the Rotarians support Interact, music competitions, a four-way speech competition and a holiday craft fair at Valley Elementary.—
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Nguyen rose to fame through Vietnamese reality competitions in the 2010s, breaking through on Vietnam Idol in 2012 as the show’s first trans contestant and placing in the final four.—
Noun
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As storytellers, Supergiant have defined their own personal tone that pervades their body work, stretching from games like Bastion to Pyre.—
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These three facilities host MLB, NFL and NHL games, respectively, as well as concerts and other entertainment events.—
Noun
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The latest battle occurs towards the end of Cena's career, following previous clashes where Lesnar dominated him in the ring.—
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The Kimmel situation differs from previous clashes, among them the cancellation of Politically Incorrect after controversial on-air remarks by its host, Bill Maher, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.—
Verb
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Judge questions Amazon's legal tactics In July, Judge Chun formally admonished Amazon lawyers for some of their legal tactics in the lawsuit.—
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The media questions your every move.—
Cite this Entry
“Contests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contests. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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