Crossword Genius

A competition, as opposed to an exam (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

contest

'a competition' is the definition.
('contest' can be a synonym of 'competition')

'opposed to an exam' is the wordplay.
'opposed to' becomes 'con' (I've seen this in another clue).
'an exam' becomes 'test' (synonyms).
'con'+'test'='CONTEST'

'as' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for contest that I've seen before include "Oppose - competition" , "Match" , "Competition; dispute" , "Competition or conflict" , "Tournament" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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