1
2
as in to argue
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration
contended that the senator's considerable experience made him the best candidate
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully
contended that his opponent was wrong about practically everything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contend
With Durant in the mix, this group has the foundation to contend both now and for years to come.
—
Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Others contend the different date is simply a reflection of how learning about Lincoln's executive order of emancipation reached faraway, rural enclaves at times later than Galveston, Texas.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 20 June 2025
However, Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade, and the Nets lack a contending roster.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
Some historians contend that Pensacola, the county seat, saw the first shots of the American Civil War.
—Ira Wells
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Others contend the different date is simply a reflection of how learning about Lincoln's executive order of emancipation reached faraway, rural enclaves at times later than Galveston, Texas.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 20 June 2025
However, Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade, and the Nets lack a contending roster.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
Some historians contend that Pensacola, the county seat, saw the first shots of the American Civil War.
—Ira Wells
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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The Brief June 18, 2025 Updates on the Israel and Iran conflict, a case that could upend social media, and more 00:00 As a freshman in high school, Caroline Koziol competed in the Connecticut statewide championship, swimming the 100-yd.—
Charlotte Alter,
Time,
18 June 2025
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Many of those same states have also enacted measures prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.—
June 18,
CBS News,
18 June 2025
Verb
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However, many argue the full effects of elevated tariffs haven't shown up in the data yet.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
15 June 2025
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Kompany argued against that approach in the pre-game press conference yesterday, pointing to his experience playing with the national team against smaller nations.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Verb
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In recent years, Iran has refused to engage in direct discussions with U.S. officials about its nuclear program and instead has insisted on indirect talks, with each government relaying messages through intermediaries.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
20 June 2025
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The barrage led Israel’s defense minister to overtly threaten Iran’s supreme leader. Israel, meanwhile, struck Iran’s heavy water reactor, part of the country’s nuclear program, which its government insists is meant for peaceful purposes only.—
Elena Becatoros,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Sales tools now must continuously reason from real-time company activities across the web, capturing nuanced signals indicating active buying intent.—
Fenil Suchak,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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Peters reasoned that with Philadelphia having three first-round picks, it could be emboldened to take that kind of chance late in the first round, even though the Flyers do have some young goaltending (and specifically some young Russian goaltenders) in the system already.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Verb
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More Associated Press, Getty Images Victims and their families allege that Palestinian operatives were either directly involved in or incited the attacks.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
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More than a decade later, the case took stunning new turns, authorities alleging an elaborate scheme orchestrated from behind prison walls by the man convicted of killing him.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Viral footage shows the musician pleading with the swarms of photographers around him, urging them to see him as a human being and respect his privacy.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
16 June 2025
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Combs has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that the administration acted under the War Powers Act by notifying members of Congress after the strikes.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
22 June 2025
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The Dreamers also claim their stadium would provide more event space.—
Kelly Martinez Semrad,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
Verb
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Bayern asserted their dominance over Group C by thrashing Auckland City in their Club World Cup opener 10-0.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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America asserted its position, secured a partner through alignment against common rivals, and laid the groundwork for its emergence as a global superpower.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
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