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
The Justice Department contended that presidents have broad authority to remove inspectors general without cause and need not wait 30 days after providing notice to Congress.
—
Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Opponents, however, contended Glendale was trying to crackdown on unhoused people ahead of the Super Bowl at State Farm Stadium.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Wilcox and Harris months ago contended that to strike down their protections could leave members of the Federal Reserve’s governing board and monetary policymaking body without protections, too — a notion the Supreme Court’s conservative majority rejected.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 22 Sep. 2025
Lawyers for the pension groups contended that Yellow breached a deal made with both Teamsters funds in 2013.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
Despite critics who argue that AI progress is slowing, Amodei contended that development will continue at a similar pace.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
The source contended that the network was not swayed by outside pressure.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
When the closures began, the California Restaurant Association contended that as many as 30,000 of the state’s 90,000 restaurants might close for good.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The first cohort of seniors to have contended — not always enthusiastically — with a digital society has reached the age when cognitive impairment becomes more common.
—Paul Spann, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Opponents, however, contended Glendale was trying to crackdown on unhoused people ahead of the Super Bowl at State Farm Stadium.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Wilcox and Harris months ago contended that to strike down their protections could leave members of the Federal Reserve’s governing board and monetary policymaking body without protections, too — a notion the Supreme Court’s conservative majority rejected.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 22 Sep. 2025
Lawyers for the pension groups contended that Yellow breached a deal made with both Teamsters funds in 2013.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
Despite critics who argue that AI progress is slowing, Amodei contended that development will continue at a similar pace.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
The source contended that the network was not swayed by outside pressure.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
When the closures began, the California Restaurant Association contended that as many as 30,000 of the state’s 90,000 restaurants might close for good.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The first cohort of seniors to have contended — not always enthusiastically — with a digital society has reached the age when cognitive impairment becomes more common.
—Paul Spann, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contended
Verb
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Three of the nine artists who competed for best new artist at the BET Awards on June 9 are on the Grammy entry list – Leon Thomas (who won), BigXthaPlug and October London.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
3 Oct. 2025
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In the 1950s and 1960s, the United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence in Asia and Africa, packing their ideological visions in the guise of development, and luring modernizing Asian and African leaders with loans and technical assistance in dam building and hydraulics.—
Nik Kowsar,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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According to The Associated Press, the Justice Department argued in a July memo that grants for HSIs were unconstitutional because they were reserved for schools that have at least 25% Hispanic enrollment.—
Nicquel Terry Ellis,
CNN Money,
6 Oct. 2025
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Beneath Nkrumah’s elaborate rhetoric, Mazrui argued, lay a simple drive to consolidate control through a one-party state that would inevitably empower only his most loyal—and least thoughtful—allies.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Denmark insisted on safeguards for women and children and for Haiti to do more to address the root causes of instability and carry out reforms in its governance system.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
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The former congresswoman insisted a shutdown must be avoided.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Rachel Goldberg-Polin fought to save her son’s life.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Years after Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman fought to the death to save his fellow soldiers, an intelligence officer strives to prove his valor — leading an investigation that ultimately would secure him the Medal of Honor.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In sum, the judges reasoned the antitrust analysis hinges on the production of much more evidence and empirical data than has been presented by either side.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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Later, coach Andy Reid reasoned that the gesture was a sign of love and support for Rice rather than protest of the league’s punishment.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to Instacart's Sweet Tooth study, Utah claimed the crown for the most candy purchased in October 2024.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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Trump dropped a pending Securities and Exchange lawsuit against his key financial backer Binance that claimed the company was misleading its customers and diverting their funds.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Howden, a backup pressed into action by injuries to both starting safeties, raced 86 yards for a touchdown that punctuated a 26-14 Saints win.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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The Tar Heels were boat raced by TCU and UCF, losing by a combined 82-23.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Gray asserted his authority with blunt force.—
Douglas M. Charles,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
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In a thread on X, Cox pushed back against former British diplomat Carig Murray, who asserted that Israel lacked jurisdiction.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contended.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contended. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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