Synonyms of contending

contending

verb

present participle of contend

1

as in competing

to engage in a contest

two traditional rivals contending for the championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• competing
• fighting
• battling
• racing
• vying
• rivaling
• playing
• facing off
• challenging
• engaging
• maneuvering
• jockeying
• jostling
• trying out
• going out
• working
• training

2

as in arguing

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

• arguing
• reasoning
• asserting
• pleading
• maintaining
• insisting
• claiming
• convincing
• justifying
• explaining
• mentioning
• suggesting
• persuading
• considering
• citing
• defending
• proposing
• affirming
• urging
• submitting
• advocating
• offering
• discussing
• enforcing
• adducing
• recommending
• advancing
• advising
• countering
• debating
• giving
• rationalizing
• refuting
• supporting
• averring
• avowing
• championing
• espousing
• counseling
• avouching
• disproving
• rebutting
• confuting

3

as in alleging

to state as a fact usually forcefully

contended that his opponent was wrong about practically everything

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alleging
• claiming
• insisting
• asserting
• maintaining
• declaring
• arguing
• protesting
• announcing
• affirming
• proclaiming
• purporting
• professing
• averring
• defending
• warranting
• reasoning
• avowing
• confirming
• putting forth
• justifying
• avouching
• rationalizing
• broadcasting
• vindicating
• upholding
• persevering
• reasserting
• reaffirming
• supporting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• denying
• abandoning
• rejecting
• challenging
• disputing
• repudiating
• negating
• questioning
• disclaiming
• disavowing
• refuting
• countering
• gainsaying
• disproving
• rebutting
• contradicting
• disowning
• negativing
• confuting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contending

The Netflix film, which premiered at New York Film Festival earlier this month, is one of 10 Oscar-contending feature documentaries included in Doc Stories’ lineup. — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Forecasting the Field The Olivias are contending for the top spots this year. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

In December 2021, however, the DOL under the Biden administration issued a supplemental statement, contending that most plan fiduciaries were not suited to evaluate alternative investments, given their complexity and high risk. — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

But if Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Spain at Audi Field was any indication, the Americans still have a ways to go before contending for their fifth World Cup title. — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Manufacturers in Bangladesh have been calling for a greater say in how the system operates, contending that the present RSC structure is slowing down remediation and increasing costs. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Bailey’s team initially tried knocking Corbett out of the race, with Bailey’s running mate, Aaron Del Mar, co-filing an objection contending his onetime political ally hadn’t collected the 25,000 valid voter signatures to qualify for the ballot. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Through the season’s first two weeks, any thoughts of the Falcons contending for a playoff spot appeared delusional and all conversations appeared moot. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026

The win brings Houston to 1-1 in conference play and keeps their hopes of contending in the Big 12 alive. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026