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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of contend
Showalter’s report contends officers yelled for Hardy to stop and that the man rode through barricades and into the district.
—
Nathan Pilling
updated July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Her legal team contends that Supervisors Ray Mueller and Noelia Corzo should have recused themselves from voting.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
But one insider maintains O’Brien’s presidential access has, at least, been effective in keeping Hollywood issues top of mind with an easily distractible president.)
O’Brien contends Trump is a new man.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
The suit contends that Gillett was pushing fellow commissioners out of the rate-setting process by issuing unilateral decisions in the name of the authority’s executive secretary.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Nathan Pilling
updated July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Her legal team contends that Supervisors Ray Mueller and Noelia Corzo should have recused themselves from voting.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
But one insider maintains O’Brien’s presidential access has, at least, been effective in keeping Hollywood issues top of mind with an easily distractible president.)
O’Brien contends Trump is a new man.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
The suit contends that Gillett was pushing fellow commissioners out of the rate-setting process by issuing unilateral decisions in the name of the authority’s executive secretary.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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But the team has 11 superb players in its Starting XI that compete well together.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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Of the 1,025 people who identified as Democrats or leaning Democratic, 67% said transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete with women.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Finally, many people have argued that Mittank may have been triggered or injured enough to suffer a psychotic break.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
9 July 2025
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What made the transformation into a cinematic cut possible was the high quality of the game, argued Pekař.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Now Bondi and Patel insist that there's nothing there.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
14 July 2025
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Tesla insists its cars are safe as long as drivers remain attentive.—
Joel Rose,
NPR,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Droney reasoned that a collusion plot probably wouldn’t yield these and similar statistics.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 July 2025
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Officials reasoned that allowing the fire to burn would reduce the accumulation of organic fire fuels and allow nutrient-rich ash to support new plant growth.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Prosecutors allege 23-year-old Lontray Clark set the fire after finding out his ex-girlfriend was dating his friend, CBS News reported.—
Lesley Cosme Torres,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Education and politics: Arizonans on student loan repayment plans can expect big changes under Big Beautiful Bill The lawsuit alleges Trump overstepped his authority in withholding funds that were approved by Congress, among other arguments.—
Stacey Barchenger,
AZCentral.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Another individual charged in the case, Love Norman, of West Palm Beach, Florida, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and is awaiting sentencing.—
Sydney Sasser
July 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
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Larson pleaded guilty to sending cocaine to friends and served 10 years and three months in prison until he was released in June 2006.—
Savannah Leigh Richardson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Beyoncé has now claimed dozens of wins on the roster throughout her career.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Across town at her front door, witness Lora Hampton, 60, who escaped the bullets that claimed West and Smith in the parking lot that night, had little sympathy for him.—
The Marshall Project,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Acrobatics & tumbling asserts its athletic diversity, drawing on a wide range of strengths from its participants.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
14 July 2025
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Brown denies the allegations, and her attorney asserts her innocence, while the city seeks restitution and damages.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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