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 Then the team didn’t make any serious additions at the 2024 deadline even though the Twins were contending for a wild-card spot, a decision that backfired when a club that was 70-53 collapsed, losing 29 of 41 games and missing the playoffs. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 The team figures to be sellers at the deadline and Holmes is certainly someone that a few contending teams would want on their roster. — Mike Barner, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Decisions on matters such as war, citizenship, exile and capital punishment were made in the assemblies and courts, where citizens heard contending speeches and voted immediately afterwards. — Richard Yanowitch, Mercury News, 29 July 2026 Pitching is always in high demand at the trade deadline and Garrett would be an option as a back end of the rotation starter or a swingman for a contending team. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 But again, many contending teams are in desperate need of relief pitching. — Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026 Games between elite teams are mostly 55%/45% or 60%/40% toss-ups, and contending programs like Texas or Georgia could rebound and win a title this year. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 Beijing has so far avoided that framing, and is contending fiercely with Washington across the board. — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contending

Verb

Cripps said her son was in Japan competing in a sporting event but called her in a panic.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Across town in Buckhead, 70-year-old Scott Toberman spends five days a week chasing pickleballs across the court, often competing against opponents decades younger.

— Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of competing

Verb

This opinion sparked debate in the online nutrition community, with some dietitians and nutritionists arguing that bananas should not be villainized based on a small body of research.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Prasad defended his decision by arguing that the company didn’t compare its mRNA vaccine’s efficacy to the correct existing vaccine.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of arguing

Verb

For the first time in history, country songs are claiming all five of the top five slots on the Hot 100.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
The Slovenian rider’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG team announced its lineup for the three-week race on Monday, confirming Pogačar will take part after claiming a record-equaling fifth Tour de France crown last month.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of claiming

Verb

Brewer was ordered held without bail after pleading not guilty during his arraignment.

— Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
But cases against Griffin, Lira and Christopher Kamon, longtime Girardi Keese chief financial officer, moved forward, with all pleading guilty to their roles in helping cover wrongdoing at the firm.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026