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
Beyond the trade secret misappropriation allegations, Flexport contends that all three defendants infringed its source code copyrights.
—
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Apr. 2025
The Justice Department contended the jurisdictions lacked legal standing and their claims weren’t ripe because the cities haven’t yet lost any funds.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
In his motion to dismiss, Pitino contends he cannot be held personally liable, asserting that the New Mexico Civil Rights Act provides a private right of action solely against public entities, not individuals.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The high court acted overnight following an emergency appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union, contending that immigration authorities appeared to be moving to restart removals under the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) of 1798.
—CBS News, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Apr. 2025
The Justice Department contended the jurisdictions lacked legal standing and their claims weren’t ripe because the cities haven’t yet lost any funds.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
In his motion to dismiss, Pitino contends he cannot be held personally liable, asserting that the New Mexico Civil Rights Act provides a private right of action solely against public entities, not individuals.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The high court acted overnight following an emergency appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union, contending that immigration authorities appeared to be moving to restart removals under the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) of 1798.
—CBS News, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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Then the Fire, in an independent Central Hockey League, competed at the Fort Worth Convention Center from 1992 to 1999.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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Photo of the day: The relief of sticking the landing Team USA star Jordan Chiles and the UCLA Bruins will compete for an NCAA title Saturday after advancing out of their semifinal session at the 2025 gymnastics championships in Fort Worth, Texas.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Mills argued the clause blocks the lawsuit because the Federal Tort Claims Act directs federal judges to interpret the merits of this type of case based on state law.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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Xzibit’s filing argues that the two have been separated for more than four years.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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All of which leaves Francis, the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics, insisting on a welcoming and internationalist worldview that has gone out of style.—
Jason Horowitz,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2025
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Sheinbaum remained vague on details, but insisted that her administration would seek to work with Trump.—
Stephania Taladrid,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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That model doesn't include reasoning capabilities, though.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
17 Apr. 2025
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Officials reasoned that the property’s existing zoning, neighborhood commercial — allowing restaurants, banks, barber shops and similar businesses — better served the community.—
Jaime Moore-Carrillo,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The lawsuit, which was filed in a Massachusetts federal court, alleges the government violated Harvard's First Amendment right to free speech by freezing the $2.2 billion in funds and threatening additional cuts.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union asked the Supreme Court on Monday to clarify what kind of legal notice their clients, alleged Tren de Aragua members, should receive before they are deported under the Alien Enemies Act.—
Ashley Oliver,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Erin Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2025
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Giuffre came forward publicly after the initial investigation ended in an 18-month Florida jail term for Epstein, who made a secret deal to avoid federal prosecution by pleading guilty instead to relatively minor state-level charges of soliciting prostitution.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Militant violence has afflicted Kashmir, claimed in full but ruled in part by both Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan, since the anti-Indian insurgency began in 1989.—
Fayaz Bukhari,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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Both the opportunity to consolidate a place at Europe’s top table and the chance to claim major domestic silverware for the first time since 1996 are attractive, so his juggling of resources must be flawless.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Thirteen judges already fired since Trump started his second term filed a class appeal earlier this month, asserting that they had been wrongfully terminated.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
22 Apr. 2025
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Read has pleaded not guilty, denied killing O'Keefe and alleged she is being framed, attempting to sow reasonable doubt in prosecutors' claims and asserting that someone else killed O'Keefe and had ties to and influence over the investigation.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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