Synonym Chooser

How does the noun contention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contention are conflict, discord, dissension, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When would conflict be a good substitute for contention?

The synonyms conflict and contention are sometimes interchangeable, but conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Where would discord be a reasonable alternative to contention?

In some situations, the words discord and contention are roughly equivalent. However, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When can dissension be used instead of contention?

While in some cases nearly identical to contention, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When is it sensible to use strife instead of contention?

The words strife and contention can be used in similar contexts, but strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When might variance be a better fit than contention?

The meanings of variance and contention largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contention But things just haven’t materialized Meanwhile, the Thunder — once assumed to be years away from contention — executed one of the most impressive rebuilds in modern sports. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025 One area of contention is around the cost of the reconciliation legislation. Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025 The eventual national champion Ohio State Buckeyes eliminated the Longhorns from playoff contention in January. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025 Although few would consider those players franchise-altering names, their developments were promising enough to help the Lakers retool their roster to not only entice James to go West, but build around him for one last window of contention under the Buss family’s watch. James Jackson, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contention
Noun
  • That request may become even more important to prosecutors if Routh is speaking and making arguments for himself at his trial.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Could this argument exempt them from the exit tax, sparing them significant financial consequences?
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • There’s been a lot of change in college football in recent years, but rivalries still form the foundation of the sport for so many fans.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • Adding an element of controversy to what’s been an unusually friendly title rivalry, Piastri even suggested that if McLaren thought the call was unfair, the team could ask him and Norris to swap places to cancel the effect of the penalty.
    James Ellingworth, Denver Post, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Even sophisticated test flows, complete with conditions and assertions, can be generated through natural language.
    Asad Khan, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • In line with the Constitution's assertion that the transfer of power happens at exactly noon on Jan. 20, Trump will take the presidential oath during the swearing-in ceremony.
    Jordan Kellogg, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Their manager, Sarina Wiegman, has an extraordinary record in this competition, having won it with both the Netherlands and England.
    Darren Richman, New York Times, 5 July 2025
  • After beginning his Team Penske career in 2007 as a sports car tire specialist, Law rose through the ranks to become a championship-winning chief mechanic in the IndyCar Series before enjoying the same success in sports car competition.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Failing to test hypotheses via incremental launches and skipping milestone checks risks prioritizing activity over impact, wasting resources on features customers may not value or use rather than driving meaningful innovation.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In the search for extraterrestrial life, much like climate change, there is a detection and attribution phase, which requires the robust testing of hypotheses and also rigorous scrutiny.
    Oliver Swainston, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Potter faces a battle to restore optimism among the fanbase.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • Dorsey notably supported Kendrick Lamar during the high-profile rap battle between Kendrick and Drake last year, prompting fans to speculate that his apparent stance may have been influenced by Rooks’ connection to the Canadian rapper.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Rivera fired his Taser at Feliz, then got into the car on the passenger’s side and threatened to shoot Rivera as a physical struggle ensued, according to body camera footage, as another officer attempted to yank Feliz out of the vehicle.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
  • Garcia then acknowledged the 15-time major winner's current health struggles.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • During the recent conflict, the Israeli Air Force demonstrated an impressive capability to reach targets deep inside Iran while relying on its aged Boeing 707 tankers for refueling its fighter jets.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Despite the flare-up, Wedbush technology analyst Dan Ives expects the conflict between Musk and Mr. Trump to die down moving forward.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contention. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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