contention

contention

noun

Definition of CONTENTION

1

an idea or opinion that is put forth in a discussion or debate <my contention is that today's lower batting averages are the result of better pitching>

Synonyms argument, assertion, thesis

Related Words conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis, speculation, surmise, theory; proposal, proposition; assumption, presupposition, supposition; position, stand; case, explanation, rationale, reason

2

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another <several actresses seem to be in heated contention for the title of “worst dressed”>

Synonyms ball game, battle, combat, competition, conflict, confrontation, contention, dogfight, duel, face-off, grapple, match, rivalry, strife, struggle, sweepstakes (also sweep-stake), tug-of-war, war, warfare

Related Words horse race, nail-biter; showdown; clash, collision, discord, friction; argument, controversy, debate, disagreement, disputation, dispute, dissension (also dissention), quarrel, row, wrangle

Near Antonyms concord, harmony, peace