✅ Deny refers to asserting that something is untrue (deny the accusation).

✅ Contradict refers to asserting that the opposite is true (She contradicted his story).

✅ Deny refers to simply saying that something is untrue, whereas contradict suggests giving an alternate, truthful account (The journalist denied having made up the story; I contradicted his version of events).

✅ Deny is usually used in response to an accusation, and is most often used in legal or other, similar, formal contexts. Contradict is used in a variety of circumstances.

Write about a time you contradicted someone, with the help of our Grammar Coach.

✅ Cure refers to healing a sickness or disease (Paracetamol will cure your headache).

✅ Cure can be used literally or metaphorically, and generally implies healing or fixing something permanently (Meditation won’t cure all your problems).

✅ Remedy most often refers to fixing something that is wrong, not necessarily an illness, and suggests fixing it in such a way that solves the problem or makes things better (We’re trying to remedy the situation).

✅ Remedy can also refer to healing an illness. In this sense, it implies fixing something temporarily, rather than permanently (Walking will help remedy the strength imbalance in your legs).

Remedy the gaps in your vocabulary with these synonyms.

✅ Answer refers to a reply, often one that continues a conversation or gives requested information (He gave a very informative answer to her inquiry).

✅ Retort refers to a sharper, wittier reply, usually one made in retaliation for a cruel or aggressive comment (The audience laughed at her retort).

✅ Answer often implies some kind of information is being conveyed, though it can be used more generally to mean a comment in return (Silence was her only answer).

✅ Retort suggests quickness, especially in defense when feeling attacked by a previous comment. Retort especially refers to turning a person’s previous comment against them (He was proud of his quick retort because the bully finally backed off).

Try writing a witty retort with the help of our writing tool Grammar Coach.