contest
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for contest, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A competition in which people try to win or achieve the best result.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use contest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French contester, from Latin contestor, "to call to witness" (used originally in launching a lawsuit).
Full origin of contest →Frequently asked questions
What does “contest” mean?
The word “contest” means a competition in which people try to win or achieve the best result. In plain terms, either a competition (noun) or to formally challenge/dispute something (verb).
How do you pronounce “contest”?
“Contest” is pronounced KON-tehst (/ˈkɑn.tɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “contest” in a sentence?
Here is “contest” used in a sentence: “She entered the baking contest on a whim and took first prize.”
What part of speech is “contest”?
Depending on how it is used, “contest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “contest” come from?
The word “contest” comes from Latin. From French contester, from Latin contestor, "to call to witness" (used originally in launching a lawsuit).
Is “contest” a common word?
“Contest” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “contest” have?
“Contest” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a competition in which people try to win or achieve the best result.
What is the difference between a contest and a competition?
The two words overlap almost completely and are usually interchangeable. A contest often points to a single, defined event with clear rules and a winner, such as a talent contest or a spelling contest. Competition can mean the same thing, but it also describes the broader idea of rivalry itself, or the field of rivals you are up against.
What are the different types of contests?
Contests take many forms. There are skill-based contests such as spelling bees, sports fixtures, and quiz shows; beauty and talent contests judged by a panel; and chance-based ones like raffles or prize draws. Some reward the best single entry, as in writing or photography contests, while others simply crown the last competitor standing.
Is 'contest' pronounced differently as a noun and a verb?
Yes. As a noun meaning a competition, the stress falls on the first syllable: CON-test. As a verb meaning to compete for something or to dispute it, the stress shifts to the second: con-TEST. So you might enter a CON-test, and later con-TEST the result if you feel the judging was unfair.
What is an example of a contest?
A school spelling bee is a classic example: pupils take turns spelling words until one remains, and that person wins. Other everyday cases include a baking contest at a village fair, a photography contest with a cash prize, or an election, which is essentially a contest for votes between rival candidates.