DENY Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deny

verb

di-ˈnī

Definition of deny next

as in to refute

to declare not to be true the congressman denied all charges of wrongdoing

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as in to refuse

to be unwilling to grant the director denied access to the top secret files to all but those with a need to know

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as in to reject

to refuse to acknowledge as one's own or as one's responsibility in a futile attempt to get out of the contract, he even denied his own signature

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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

Examples of deny in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Grocery giants Kroger and Walmart deny adding digital price tags to their store shelves as a way to rapidly hike food prices, according to the New York Times. —

Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 Marlowe Summer also denied a separate motion from the defense seeking immediate release from detention. —

Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2024 Georgia has been a focus of GOP maneuvering to delay or deny certification of the voting results if Harris prevails. —

Barton Gellman, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 Mercier filed his response denying the allegations, according to legal documents. —

Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deny

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deny.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Deny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deny. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 28 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of deny

verb

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