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contest definition

con·test (kən test′; for n. kän′test′)

transitive verb

  1. to try to disprove or invalidate (something) as by argument or legal action; dispute to contest a will
  2. to fight for (ground, a military position, etc.); struggle to win or keep

Etymology: Fr contester < L contestari, to call to witness, bring action < com-, together + testari, to bear witness < testis, a witness: see testify

intransitive verb

to contend; struggle (with or against)

noun

  1. a fight, struggle, conflict, or controversy
  2. any race, game, debate, etc. in which individuals or teams compete with one another to determine the winner

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

contest Synonyms

contest

n.

  1. A competition

    trial, match, game; see competition 1, 2.

  2. A conflict

    engagement, controversy, struggle; see battle 1, 2, dispute, fight 1. See syn. study at fight.


contest

v.

  1. To oppose

    dispute, challenge, question, stand up for the other side; see argue 1, oppose 1.

  2. To fight

    contend, battle, defend, struggle, wrangle, altercate, conflict, quarrel, brawl, scuffle, feud, attack, strike, tilt, have a run-in with*, take on*, take on all comers*; see also dare 2, fight 2.

    Antonyms concede, rest*, shake hands.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

contest Usage Examples

Object

  • by-election: That fact was underlined by the way in which the decision to contest the by-election was taken.

Converse of object

  • win: The last several years have been very eventful with winning three area contests in four years.

Adjective modifier

  • closely-fought: After a closely-fought contest against two other experienced candidates, Councilor Willie was selected to fight the seat again.

Modifies a noun

  • prep: My base diet is always the same for contest prep all that changes is the amount of carbs.

Noun used with modifier

  • leadership: The leadership contest will be the longest in history.

Preposition: from

  • time-to-time: Surveys & Contests From time-to-time our site requests information from users via surveys or contests.
contest usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

contest quotes

We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery† Our cause is just, our union is perfect.

-Dickinson,John

I just won't get into a pissing contest with that skunk.

-Eisenhower, Dwight D(avid)

A bumper of good liquor, Will end a contest quicker Than justice, judge or vicar.

-Sheridan, Richard Brinsley

contest quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"contest." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/contest>

APA Style

contest. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/contest

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