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
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 contended
But organizers contended that a union would give them the legal right to a seat at the table in decisions about their jobs.
—
Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Charter leaders and advocates have contended that charters are underfunded by CPS compared to district-run schools.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Throughout the nearly four-week trial, defense attorneys have contended that the government cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that their clients intended to join a criminal racketeering conspiracy.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
Even if no charges ultimately are filed, the attorneys contended in interviews that rooting out identities of dissenters is at the very least an intimidation tactic.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
At the debate cosponsored by The Denver Post, Denver7, and Colorado Public Radio, Bottoms contended that crime is so high in Colorado that people are afraid to go outside.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 28 May 2026
The network also contended that the agency was exceeding its authority to act on a license renewal, as Congress decided that they must be evaluated on for a full term, not a partial one.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 May 2026
In the suit filed in September 2021, Person contended that the USABS knew or should have known about for decades, yet allegedly failed to warn them about neurodegenerative and behavioral disorders and diseases stemming from participation in the sport.
—City News Service, Daily News, 27 May 2026
Indeed, Cappellieri contended that Pomellato holds a unique place in the history of Italian jewelry.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Charter leaders and advocates have contended that charters are underfunded by CPS compared to district-run schools.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Throughout the nearly four-week trial, defense attorneys have contended that the government cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that their clients intended to join a criminal racketeering conspiracy.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
Even if no charges ultimately are filed, the attorneys contended in interviews that rooting out identities of dissenters is at the very least an intimidation tactic.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
At the debate cosponsored by The Denver Post, Denver7, and Colorado Public Radio, Bottoms contended that crime is so high in Colorado that people are afraid to go outside.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 28 May 2026
The network also contended that the agency was exceeding its authority to act on a license renewal, as Congress decided that they must be evaluated on for a full term, not a partial one.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 May 2026
In the suit filed in September 2021, Person contended that the USABS knew or should have known about for decades, yet allegedly failed to warn them about neurodegenerative and behavioral disorders and diseases stemming from participation in the sport.
—City News Service, Daily News, 27 May 2026
Indeed, Cappellieri contended that Pomellato holds a unique place in the history of Italian jewelry.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contended
Verb
-
This past winter In Aspen, Lobos served as the official tequila sponsor of the Snow Polo Championships, where Osorio competed in a friendly match alongside Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras.—
Gina Pace,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
Four area teams from the greater Fort Worth-area competed for titles, with one taking home back-to-back gold.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Some strategists argued that Beijing’s tightening also coincides with a broader push to channel investor enthusiasm toward China’s domestic technology champions and strategic industries -- for instance, a series of initial public offerings expected in coming months.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
-
Warikoo argued the bigger question for business leaders is not simply what AI can replace, but what kind of workforce society wants to build alongside it—especially as technology gets close to AGI.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
While many people online insisted the loft should be used as a bedroom, by simply placing a mattress on the floor, Giangreco quickly ruled that out for practical reasons that mattered far more to her than aesthetics.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
30 May 2026
-
Those plaintiffs also insisted that the rule would harm the health care workforce.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The memory of that episode—and of the country’s long and bloody civil war, fought from 1975 to 1990—still looms.—
Euan Ward,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
-
José Palma, national coordinator of the National TPS Alliance — an advocacy group that has fought in federal courts against the cancellation of TPS for several countries—welcomed the extension of protections for the Lebanese.—
Gisela Salomon,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
The judge reasoned that there remain factual disputes for jurors to weigh.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
2 June 2026
-
No Supreme Court decision, no matter how reactionary or ill-reasoned, will ever extinguish the desire of Black Americans to be free and equal.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
In an interview with The Mirror published on Thursday, May 21, royal author Andrew Lownie claimed that Fergie has found herself in a bit of a financial pickle and is begging the Firm for help.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
4 June 2026
-
Dolan claimed Oakley was verbally abusive.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
These two great rivals never raced each other again.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
After exchanging blows, the youngster raced on to a Djokovic drop shot before exquisitely returning with a faint backhand of his own, leaving his opponent with his hands on his knees in disbelief.—
Thomas Schlachter,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Still, Miami Beach officials asserted that the Fontainebleau would need approval from the city’s Historic Preservation Board to advance the project, despite the new law limiting the power of local boards to force changes.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
2 June 2026
-
Roberts' defense asserted in its May 22 sentencing brief, unsealed Wednesday, that probation rather than prison time would be appropriate.—
Kyle Werner,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contended.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contended. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
