CONTENDING Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

contending

verb

present participle of contend

as in competing

to engage in a contest two traditional rivals contending for the championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

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 contending The series features six conversations — highlighting the arts of cinematography, composing, production design, editing, costume design, and visual effects — with the artisans behind Emmy-contending shows, all moderated by IndieWire’s Jim Hemphill. —

Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 11 June 2026 Neither Rice nor Caicedo were playing for contending clubs in 2024, but both West Ham and Brighton, by virtue of broadcasting revenue or, in the latter’s specific case, the quality of their recruitment, possessed the financial resilience to name a price and then stick to it. —

Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Today, quickly putting himself in a contending position. —

Ren Clayton, CBS News, 10 June 2026 But the Senate Democratic Caucus isn’t united behind him, and his series of stumbles has some in the party contending that Collins’ defeat is no longer a prerequisite to winning the majority. —

Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 June 2026 Elo-Rivera said this move is likely shortsighted, contending that lower recycling rates will force Miramar to close sooner than the city’s current projection of 2031. —

David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 Many focus on eligibility, with athletes contending they should be allowed to play and continue to earn money that was made available under the House ruling. —

Stephen Hawkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 Cast members from Taylor Sheridan’s Landman and The Madison crossed paths at Paramount+’s All Trails Lead Here event celebrating the two award-contending television shows that take place in Sheridan’s broader western universe that kicked off with Yellowstone. —

Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 June 2026 In all four races, just two candidates are contending in the primary, meaning all eight are guaranteed to appear on the General Election ballot in November. —

Victoria Le, Oc Register, 3 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contending

Verb

El Tri will have an edge competing at high altitude and with the support of home fans, but Mexico is winless in World Cup openers.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 June 2026