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
Nurses contend the proposals would undermine staff retention and patient care.
—
City News Service, Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
However, failing to infuse this team with appreciably more talent in the coming weeks, and thereby denying the Pats a real chance to march through the gauntlet that is their 2026 schedule, would be a cardinal sin of contending.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Aldo contends he was assaulted during international trips, at Neverland Ranch, in New York, at the family residence, and at video shoots and recording sessions.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026
Investigators contend Darnell failed to properly disclose this outside business activity and misrepresented the purpose of the LLC to his firm.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contend
City News Service, Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
However, failing to infuse this team with appreciably more talent in the coming weeks, and thereby denying the Pats a real chance to march through the gauntlet that is their 2026 schedule, would be a cardinal sin of contending.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Aldo contends he was assaulted during international trips, at Neverland Ranch, in New York, at the family residence, and at video shoots and recording sessions.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026
Investigators contend Darnell failed to properly disclose this outside business activity and misrepresented the purpose of the LLC to his firm.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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Executives have been preaching the virtues of consolidation, framing it as the only way for legacy media companies to compete with technology companies.—
Lucas Shaw,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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Implats, which competes with Valterra and Sibanye-Stillwater in the platinum group metals market, has a long-standing presence in Zimbabwe, having steadily built its stake in Zimplats in the early 2000s and become the dominant owner, holding more than 80% of the company.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mahdawi also has an ongoing case in federal district court arguing he was unlawfully detained.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
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Pedestrianization often faces local political hurdles, but is usually hailed as a success once implemented, The Guardian argued.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Noem insisted to Kennedy that the campaigns were effective.—
Rebecca Santana,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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OpenAI’s head of national-security partnerships insisted that the answer was no.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a republican federation, the Founders reasoned, only the people’s representatives should be able to commit the country to war.—
William J Watkins Jr,
Oc Register,
4 Mar. 2026
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Advertisement In time, robots will be able to reason, adapt, and execute in real time without needing a constant cloud connection.—
Eric Schmidt,
Time,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Shaw has alleged that Bosco is trying to use The Range as leverage to push him out of SB Tactical as well.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Mar. 2026
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The 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury came after a yearslong federal investigation and alleged Madigan participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Climate and environment California youths plead with an appeals court to hear how climate change affects their lives.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
After pleading guilty to murder, Reese in August of last year was sentenced to 50 years in prison without the possibility of early release or parole.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Call 1-800-955-6886 to schedule an appointment to claim your prize.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
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The inmate claimed the whole wing overheard the exchange.—
Julie K. Brown,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Polling suggests the political picture is more complicated than the loudest voices on either side assert.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
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Iran asserts control over the passage of tankers through the strait.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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