1
2
as in argued
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 insisted
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 contended
Patrick contended the camp shouldn't reopen until the flood was fully investigated.
—
Laura Romero,
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Administration officials have contended the interim deal is designed to stop hostilities and create a 60-day window for a broader agreement.
—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
24 June 2026
With the Wizards agreeing to a four-year extension with Trae Young, Wall contended Peterson would adjust better than Dybantsa would in an off-ball role.
—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Experts contended that the progressive candidates could split the vote, opening the door for McAdams to win.
—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Volpe contended that first baseman Sal Stewart’s foot blocked his lane to the base.
—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
But Becker contended that there are many factors that can influence voter turnout, in particular, California’s strong blue tilt.
—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
The suit, filed by former employee Jongbyuk Kim on July 31, 2024, in Sacramento County Superior Court, contended that Kru Partners, LLLC had failed to pay overtime and correct sick time wages to its hourly workers.
—
Allison Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Bass also contended in interviews that Crowley failed to inform her of the fire danger presented by forecasted Santa Ana winds — despite those warnings being widely publicized by the National Weather Service and in media reports for days in advance.
—
City News Service,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
Laura Romero,
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Administration officials have contended the interim deal is designed to stop hostilities and create a 60-day window for a broader agreement.
—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
24 June 2026
With the Wizards agreeing to a four-year extension with Trae Young, Wall contended Peterson would adjust better than Dybantsa would in an off-ball role.
—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Experts contended that the progressive candidates could split the vote, opening the door for McAdams to win.
—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Volpe contended that first baseman Sal Stewart’s foot blocked his lane to the base.
—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
But Becker contended that there are many factors that can influence voter turnout, in particular, California’s strong blue tilt.
—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
The suit, filed by former employee Jongbyuk Kim on July 31, 2024, in Sacramento County Superior Court, contended that Kru Partners, LLLC had failed to pay overtime and correct sick time wages to its hourly workers.
—
Allison Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Bass also contended in interviews that Crowley failed to inform her of the fire danger presented by forecasted Santa Ana winds — despite those warnings being widely publicized by the National Weather Service and in media reports for days in advance.
—
City News Service,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contended
Verb
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University of Detroit Mercy student Grace Hanke, who competed as Miss Oakland County, won the crown at Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon.
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All six goals were scored by players who competed in the Premier League in the 2025-26 season.
Verb
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Bland was obsessed with religion, but that did not amount to insanity, the prosecutor argued.
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During the primary the two contenders agreed on most issues, but Valdez argued throughout the campaign that Reynoso wasn't outspoken enough.
Verb
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Iran also insisted on the full implementation of the first clause of the memorandum — ending Israel’s war and military operations against Lebanon, Baghaei said.
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Adorni insisted the money was earned legitimately including through cryptocurrency investments.
Verb
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As visitors like Fulkerson settled into folding chairs arranged along the same grassy knoll where John Brown and his followers fought their way into the red-brick armory, Kerwin rose, stepped to the microphone and looked out at the crowd gathered before her.
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While the Civil War was fought far from Pittsburgh's streets, its impact can still be found here today — in the graves of arsenal workers, in the medals of hometown heroes, and in the stories preserved for future generations.
Verb
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Eventually, the United States reasoned that keeping prisoners of war in the United States would be an efficient use of military resources.
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The wrangler reasoned no horse could land on a pile of rocks without breaking a leg.
Verb
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The woman claimed that the street vendor had thrown the Mexican seasoning — Tajin — on her face.
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Iran has not claimed responsibility.
Verb
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His last three cutter-drones raced past the frightened spawn siblings to the wall.
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The drivers will compete in authentic IROC Pontiac Firebirds that raced in series competition from 1996 through 2006.
Verb
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In internal messaging to staff, Bunch has steadfastly asserted the Institution’s independence, while not mentioning Trump by name.
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The move means the rest of the AI industry will be forced to take heed of the authority asserted by Lutnick, and BIS can invoke other powers if the specific provisions used against Anthropic are contested.
Cite this Entry
“Contended.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contended. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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