contend

verb

kən-ˈtend How to pronounce contend (audio)
Definition of contendnext
1
as in to compete
to engage in a contest two traditional rivals contending for the championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contend These groups contend the legislation rewards institutions neglecting Black voting representation and suggest boycotts to pressure Southern universities on redistricting. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Kiley turned the criticism around, contending that his willingness to work with both parties was a strength. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Espinosa has contended that the ethics commission, not the city, is the proper venue for the investigation. — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 In a wide-ranging exclusive interview aired Tuesday, Dudum contended the allegations stemmed from a misunderstanding of how the company is altering healthcare. — Jacqueline Corba, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
  1. compete
  2. argue
  3. insist
  4. reason
  5. allege
  6. plead
  7. claim
  8. assert
Verb
  • Florida voters will head to the polls Tuesday for a primary election that will determine the head-to-head matchups in November, including the candidates who will compete to become the state's next governor.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • New York has a nice blend of skill and compete in a system that should produce reliable NHL talent but still has a lot of work ahead in this next rebuild.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of compete
Verb
  • Alex Wagner, who served as assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs during the Biden administration, argued recruiting has remained remarkably insulated from those political battles.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But others take issue with her premise the exercises are unnecessary, arguing that scaling them back puts US forces –– almost 30,000 of them stationed in South Korea and over 50,000 more in nearby Japan –– in a more dangerous situation.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of argue
Verb
  • Instead, airlines are insisting on custom designs to stand out.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And alumni are among the college’s best ambassadors for spreading that message, insists Emma Donatille, executive director of the WCC Foundation that has handed out nearly $440,000 in scholarships over the years.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • Other planning engines run scenarios sequentially, in cycles measured in hours, which is why their AI can only report on what has already been computed rather than reasoning live, KetteQ said.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The use that matters is reasoning at the points where determinism breaks down.
    — Chris Wade, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Saturday’s statement alleged that Qatar had not allowed the pilots to meet or communicate with families or Iranian officials handling their cases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • And, so far, at least four cases alleging that, including the most prominent case against an Olympic canoeist, have been dropped because of a lack of evidence.
    — Will Weissert, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of allege
Verb
  • The situation is fluid and Mangione could conceivably decide against pleading guilty between now and Friday.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Murdaugh separately pleaded guilty to dozens of financial crimes and is serving concurrent state and federal sentences of 27 and 40 years.
    — Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of plead
Verb
  • Lang and other anti-Islam protesters marched in Dearborn in November 2025, clashing with counter-protesters and claiming the area is not friendly to those who are non-Muslim.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Critics claim those measures are ineffective or insufficient to protect young people online.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of claim
Verb
  • But at least one Lake Worth Beach city commissioner asserted involvement of local authorities in immigration enforcement is a bad idea.
    — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The defendant’s lawyers disputed that argument, asserting the evidence doesn’t prove Robinson’s motivation was connected to Kirk’s political or religious beliefs.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of assert

Phrases Containing contend

Browse Nearby Words

contemptuousness
contend
contended
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Cite this Entry

“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of contend for Spanish Speakers

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