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
Moores and Lucchino sought public funding for a downtown ballpark, so contending for the playoffs was a must.
—
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
The university contended that including its club competitive cheer and dance teams in its count would bring it into compliance with Title IX.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 2 Aug. 2025
The complaint contends that that agreement did not address future clients and that Garza was later made aware that the McKeens would be starting a competing law firm.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2025
Last month, the Orange Board of County Commissioners rejected the transport plan, with Demings contending that immigrant transport is a federal responsibility and such a plan would further tax his understaffed jail.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
The university contended that including its club competitive cheer and dance teams in its count would bring it into compliance with Title IX.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 2 Aug. 2025
The complaint contends that that agreement did not address future clients and that Garza was later made aware that the McKeens would be starting a competing law firm.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2025
Last month, the Orange Board of County Commissioners rejected the transport plan, with Demings contending that immigrant transport is a federal responsibility and such a plan would further tax his understaffed jail.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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The plan is for Richardson to play one quarter and another half quarter before being replaced by Daniel Jones, who is competing with Richardson for the QB1 title, for the rest of the first half.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
6 Aug. 2025
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Richter is competing for reps with a talented linebacking corps that includes returning Pro Bowlers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, plus veterans Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman and 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Though some have argued there are similarities in how Trump works as a statesman, in comparison to Reagan.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Some animal rights groups argued the decision sets a dangerous precedent, including Bear Defenders, a campaign to oppose the expansion of bear hunting in Florida.—
Gordon Ebanks,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Some would insist this is a wink-wink of trying to play both sides of the gambit at the same time, see my discussion at the link here.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The line inspired a heated debate with many online critics insisting the ad was a dog whistle promoting white supremacy.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Ultimately, children don't reason the same way adults do, which is why adult supervision matters.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
31 July 2025
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The combined railroad, regulators reasoned, would benefit trade across North America.—
Josh Funk,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Newsom sued in June, alleging that Fox host Jesse Watters defamed him by claiming that Newsom lied about a phone call with President Trump.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
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Jessie Watkins, a Milwaukee barber, alleges he was racially profiled and unlawfully searched by Waukesha police officers.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Both pleaded not guilty to the child neglect charge.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
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Canada has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Thinking about his experiences on The Bachelor and Perfect Match, Clayton claimed that the editing misrepresented his connection with Rachel.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Workers claim the organization has insufficient training, abrupt terminations, and inconsistent wages and raises.—
Maya Bell,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Hall worked tirelessly to seize opportunities to assert Republicans' power as the minority party.—
Clara Hendrickson,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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There’s this pressure as a young woman to assert yourself so that you’re taken seriously.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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