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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Soft whites, grays, and chalky pastels allow the flooring to shine without competing for attention.
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The announcement of a new country competing, the first of its kind since Eurovision welcomed Australia in 2015, arrived on Wednesday, one day ahead of the country’s Canada Day holiday.
Verb
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In 2022, Kroger announced a plan to merge with rival Albertsons, arguing that a larger chain would be better able to compete against rivals.
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The Department of Justice on Thursday declined to turn over additional information from the Epstein files as ordered by a judge, arguing the materials include sensitive victim information or were appropriately redacted as required by law.
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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Latta builds it in deliberately, insisting his Rocks wines carry fruit, floral, and funk components together.
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Extremists thrive on outrage, insisting that compromise is weakness and political opponents are existential enemies.
Verb
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According to Graser, one of the victims had called from inside the burning building, pleading for help.
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In 2015, he was charged in Amador County in connection with a strip poker game at a youth camp, ultimately pleading no contest two years later to providing alcohol to a minor.
Cite this Entry
“Contending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contending. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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