Synonyms for contest

noun

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.

verb

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.