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
Nico Ali Walsh, a professional boxer and the grandson of Muhammad Ali, contends consolidating power in combat sports would strip fighters of their right to choose where to fight, when to fight and cap their earning potential.
—
Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 27 Apr. 2026
States contend the federal government has no role in managing elections and federal judges agreed.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
Still, Döpfner has contended that Axel Springer’s public commitment to those values has helped build trust with audiences.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Election law experts contend that the scenario of Republicans successfully overturning election results is unlikely, with legal remedies available to prevent stalling and ensure certification of results by January 3 when the new Congress convenes.
—Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contend
Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 27 Apr. 2026
States contend the federal government has no role in managing elections and federal judges agreed.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
Still, Döpfner has contended that Axel Springer’s public commitment to those values has helped build trust with audiences.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Election law experts contend that the scenario of Republicans successfully overturning election results is unlikely, with legal remedies available to prevent stalling and ensure certification of results by January 3 when the new Congress convenes.
—Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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His interest in the game sparked from watching his older brother, Nick, compete at Stagg and Joliet Junior College.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
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Sasaki is one of three young pitchers at the back end of the rotation, along with right-hander Emmet Sheehan and left-hander Justin Wrobleski, who are competing for two spots once Snell returns.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Black voters who feared losing representation in Congress opposed that request and argued the justices should instead hold onto their April 29 ruling until after the election because voting in the primary had already begun.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
5 May 2026
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Yet its release may reflect a bid by European officials to seize upon a hope that critics have argued has long been their sole strategy to defeat Russia in Ukraine – to wait for its internal collapse.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Instead, a top Justice Department official insisted the ruling wasn't binding, and the administration continued denying detainees around the country a chance for release.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
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Instead, a top Justice Department official insisted the ruling wasn’t binding, and the administration continued denying detainees around the country a chance for release.—
Sudhin Thanawala,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Education helps young people learn to reason, to question, to distinguish fact from fiction.—
Randi Weingarten,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
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Initially working out of a facility in the industrial section of Seattle, Stephenson gathered a group of like minds to brainstorm new methods for reaching space, reasoning that chemical rockets had not much improved in the decades since their debut.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Because Pe’Sla was not included as an affected area and no environmental review was conducted, the approval violates the National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act, the lawsuit alleges.—
Sarah Raza,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
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The two are also accused of misuse of public benefits, fraudulent representations to government agencies and financial transactions alleged to conceal proceeds of criminal activity.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Court documents show Andrew Nietz pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder on Friday.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
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The brothers both pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice and Alexander also pleaded guilty to culpable homicide.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
Verb
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DeVaux became the first woman to train the winning horse at the Kentucky Derby when Golden Tempo claimed the 152nd Run for the Roses on Saturday at Churchill Downs.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
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Trump claimed Friday that the law is a moot point because the United States is no longer bombing Iran.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Louisiana sued to restrict access to mifepristone, asserting that its availability undermined the ban there.—
Mark Sherman,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
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The improved momentum behind IGV and relative 'buy' signals versus the SPX suggest software stocks are asserting themselves as a new source of leadership within the technology sector.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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