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

In addition to contending for national titles, the men will compete for spots on the 2026 World Championship Team. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 7 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

But their focus on trying to enhance their chances of contending in 2026 cannot be questioned. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026

Seattle doesn’t have a single forward who would be considered a top-line player on a Cup-contending team. — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Malinick expects that availability will also be short-lived, contending that the Blackbird will be entirely presold during Monterey Car Week, when a show prototype breaks cover on August 14 at the Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 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