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

Boston Bruins The Bruins have an average at best roster and farm system, and trying to win while rebuilding on the fly is something that usually backfires more often than leading to a contending team. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Kiley turned the criticism around, contending that his willingness to work with both parties was a strength. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Honeywell will now try to craft some similar moments with a contending Padres team. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The commission decided to require the regulatory language, contending such language is needed to make the policies in the plan enforceable under the state’s Coastal Act. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Her absence — along with DNPs from multiple key Liberty starters — contributed to a contending team entering Thursday in a three-way tie for sixth place in league standings. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

While the competition is still several weeks out, some of the first marmots in the competition have already been introduced on the contending marmots Instagram. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

The Crowley campaign reacted to the Michigan election result by contending Hong's margin is not as wide as polling predicts, arguing her voter coalition is one that has never occurred in a statewide race in the Badger State. — Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Union officials and House Democrats close to labor dismissed Welch’s claim, contending Benton had no real influence over organized labor’s decisions. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026