Contravene and Violate

Contravene

Contravene verb - To fail to keep.
Usage example: the unauthorized reproduction of the image contravenes copyright laws

Violate is a synonym for contravene in break topic. In some cases you can use "Violate" instead a verb "Contravene", when it comes to topics like action, disturb, encroach, contradict. popular alternative

Violate

Violate verb - To fail to keep.
Usage example: you've violated the company's new rule against smoking within 30 feet of the building

Contravene is a synonym for violate in agreement topic. You can use "Contravene" instead a verb "Violate", if it concerns topics such as disturb, encroach, do. popular alternative

Common collocations

regulations contravene regulations violate regulations
Cite this Source
Violate and Contravene. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/contravene/violate
Contravene & Violate. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/contravene/violate>.
Violate or Contravene. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/contravene/violate.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "contravene" and "violate" have occurred on timeline