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
In his role as star, writer and executive producer, Noah Wyle will contend in all three areas.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Supporters contend the act is meant to encourage development of affordable housing, but critics insist that’s misleading.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025
Another theory contends that different features in nature, such as the pattern of leaf shadows moving on the forest floor under the sunlight, provide stimuli that is interesting but not overly demanding for humans.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Trump, Zelenskyy meet privately ahead of pope's funeral At the time, Zelenskyy contended the Russian president needed stronger pushback from Ukraine's allies.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Supporters contend the act is meant to encourage development of affordable housing, but critics insist that’s misleading.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025
Another theory contends that different features in nature, such as the pattern of leaf shadows moving on the forest floor under the sunlight, provide stimuli that is interesting but not overly demanding for humans.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Trump, Zelenskyy meet privately ahead of pope's funeral At the time, Zelenskyy contended the Russian president needed stronger pushback from Ukraine's allies.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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The 2021 Republican gubernatorial nominee is competing to be his party’s candidate in this year’s race alongside figures like former talk radio host Bill Spadea and state Sen. Jon Bramnick.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
13 May 2025
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Ultimately, five singers will compete for this season's crown.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Ramaphosa and other defenders of the Expropriation Act have argued that the policies are needed to reverse the nation’s apartheid-era legacy of disparities in land ownership.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
11 May 2025
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Opponents argue the laws sanction discrimination and the exclusion of a vulnerable minority group and that rhetoric produced in these debates can stigmatize the transgender community.—
Sam Gringlas,
NPR,
10 May 2025
Verb
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While working on the film, Lively insisted on rewriting the infamous rooftop scene.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2025
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During construction, Wright insisted that his design would perform, but on-site builders were less convinced and added more structural steel to the concrete slabs without the architect’s knowledge.—
Elizabeth Fazzare,
Architectural Digest,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Rogers was later convicted of Cribbs' and Gallagher's murders but prosecutors didn't pursue him in Louisiana or Mississippi, reasoning at the time that he was being tried in the death penalty state of Florida and that justice was being served.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Had this law been in effect at the time, St. Louis could have asked, reasoned and acted — potentially saving Turner’s life.—
Mike Fox,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Combs denied wrongdoing, and the two settled the lawsuit a day later, but her lawsuit set off a series of other civil suits against Combs alleging wrongdoing.—
Nicki Brown,
CNN Money,
15 May 2025
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Dugan’s clerk alerted her that immigration agents were in the courthouse looking to arrest Flores-Ruiz, prosecutors allege in court documents.—
Todd Richmond,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2025
Verb
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On Monday, May 5, Sara Jacqueline King was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges, the Los Angeles Times and Daily Mail reported.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
10 May 2025
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Defendants nearly always plead guilty—the last trial Carlin could remember was seven years ago—but Castañeda and her travelling companions opted to go to trial; their case was heard by a magistrate judge.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
10 May 2025
Verb
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But McLaughlin claimed that a Dallas Police detective inadvertently attached the wrong photo to the entry.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
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Some of them have already been effectively dismantled by DOGE, like the U.S. Institute of Peace, the site of a dramatic daylong standoff between USIP staffers and representatives of the cost-cutting initiative claiming to be new leadership.—
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
17 May 2025
Verb
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In response, two of Trump's senior officials made statements asserting that the message was a threat toward the president.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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Centering the incident as a fight over a phone, as attorney Teny Geragos did in the defense’s opening statement, Combs’ team assert what everybody can see doesn’t rise to the charges the feds have hit the All About the Benjamins performer with.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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