1
as in competing
to engage in a contest
two traditional rivals contending for the championship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
3
as in alleging
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 contending
Critics also have challenged the report’s characterization of cases involving women, contending these were consensual affairs that were sinful but not abusive.
—
ABC News,
25 June 2026
In the special, Arcuri tackles topics like marital pranks and urinal mind games while contending, on the more serious side, with his wife Katie Thurston’s cancer journey.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
24 June 2026
The initial reaction is going to be that the Sabres, a contending team, should flip the fourth pick to make the team better right now.
—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
The company hopes the effort allows for more large-scale audiobook productions to emerge, contending that AI allows for more immersive audio experiences that traditional publishers would find too expensive.
—
Corbin Bolies,
Variety,
23 June 2026
Defense attorneys have sought to restrict media coverage of the proceedings, contending that the intense public attention threatens Robinson’s right to a fair trial.
—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
But now that the Sox are contending, and starting a big series Monday against the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field, his in-game strategy will no doubt get more scrutiny.
—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Hernandez disagreed, contending department officials walk over them.
—
City News Service,
Daily News,
18 June 2026
The Swede's game should fit this difficult track, but contending or not will rely on what is going on between the ears.
—
Mark Harris Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
ABC News,
25 June 2026
In the special, Arcuri tackles topics like marital pranks and urinal mind games while contending, on the more serious side, with his wife Katie Thurston’s cancer journey.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
24 June 2026
The initial reaction is going to be that the Sabres, a contending team, should flip the fourth pick to make the team better right now.
—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
The company hopes the effort allows for more large-scale audiobook productions to emerge, contending that AI allows for more immersive audio experiences that traditional publishers would find too expensive.
—
Corbin Bolies,
Variety,
23 June 2026
Defense attorneys have sought to restrict media coverage of the proceedings, contending that the intense public attention threatens Robinson’s right to a fair trial.
—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
But now that the Sox are contending, and starting a big series Monday against the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field, his in-game strategy will no doubt get more scrutiny.
—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Hernandez disagreed, contending department officials walk over them.
—
City News Service,
Daily News,
18 June 2026
The Swede's game should fit this difficult track, but contending or not will rely on what is going on between the ears.
—
Mark Harris Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contending
Verb
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Louicius Deedson — the only player from Atlanta competing in this World Cup — was coming home.
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Collectors are competing for works with scarcity, exceptional provenance, and a clear place in art history.
Verb
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Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, officials are pausing data center development for one year, with vocal neighbors arguing that the risk posed by a controversial project outweigh the threat of litigation.
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President Donald Trump‘s first-term Attorney General Bill Barr is making an aggressive public push for Senate Republicans to confirm Todd Blanche as the nation’s next attorney general, arguing the president’s acting Justice Department chief is the best person to lead the department.
Verb
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Gabby Jones | Bloomberg | Getty Images Several lawsuits have been filed against the company, alleging monopolistic practices and harming consumer interests.
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In the video, the man and woman can be seen alleging the family stole their money and emphasizing they aren't wanted in the community.
Verb
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Agents maintain context across extended, multi-turn sessions — histories, long documents, chains of reasoning that compound with every interaction.
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Vitello seemed to understand Devers’ reasoning for wanting to stay in the game but also knew that Devers was battling some leg soreness.
Verb
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The deadline to apply for a $50 million settlement from The Walt Disney Company, linked to a class action case claiming the company helped drive up subscription prices for streaming platforms, is approaching.
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Jackson beat out fellow finalists Roch Cholowsky (UCLA) and Landon Hairston (Arizona State), to become the second Georgia player to win the award in three seasons, with Charlie Condon claiming it in 2024.
Verb
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Legal expert Richard Schoenstein said by asserting the psychiatric defense, Mangione would effectively admit to killing Thompson with mitigating circumstances.
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The pair defended the measure’s stricter voting thresholds as a necessary check on government power, asserting that taxpayers deserve the ultimate say at the ballot box before taking on new financial burdens.
Verb
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At a March 30 public meeting of the school board, Morrow acknowledged these mistakes, insisting that the books would be returned to the shelves while a review committee, which the board would appoint, considered their fate.
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Of course, the Bucks likely recognized as much, as well, insisting the cost for Giannis include Kasparas.
Verb
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He was arrested in October 2025 and charged with destruction of property by means of fire, pleading not guilty after he was charged.
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Nelson was released after pleading not guilty at a brief arraignment proceeding in Manhattan Criminal Court.
Cite this Entry
“Contending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contending. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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