1
as in addressing
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
a multitude of problems to contend with as soon as he returned to the office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opposing
to strive to reduce or eliminate
medical missionaries who daily contend with disease and poverty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contending (with)
Verb
-
Not long ago, California took a baby step toward addressing this rampant decay.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026 -
These two behaviors suggest that dolphins are capable of addressing or labeling specific individuals.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The visuals still take some getting used to — the lonely kicker set up 30 yards behind the nearest teammate, the coverage players and opposing blockers standing frozen as the kick sails over their heads.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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The focus on Pretti’s gun both locally and nationally has drawn blowback from Democrats, gun rights advocates and some conservatives, a constellation of groups often on opposing sides of the gun debate.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Federal investigators in Guam believed the devices held evidence that would help prove individuals handling the island’s Covid unemployment assistance program were part of a plot to steal funds.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Set on nearly an acre of land, the compound commands more than 150 linear feet of ocean frontage—more than any other home in Lanikai, according to List Sotheby’s International Realty, which is handling the listing.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fatu and Rhodes took turns fighting each other and then the WWE officials.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The Skippers kept fighting, using a 7-0 run to take a 57-55 lead with two minutes to go.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Her mother accompanied her to appointments, managing logistics and providing emotional support.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Tina Olson, a managing attorney with the Juvenile Lifer Unit in the State Appellate Defender Office, says the decision doesn't minimize the crimes committed – or the victims impacted – but instead ensures defendants are given fair punishments.—
Elaine Rojas-Castillo,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Minnesota Department of Corrections launched a website its leaders said was dedicated to combatting Department of Homeland Security misinformation after Pretti was killed.—
Claudia Lauer,
Fortune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The administration has repeatedly downplayed the benefits of immunization, while exaggerating the importance of nutritional supplementation for combatting measles.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Using Henry's good nature … by lying to him, by manipulating him.—
Natalie Morales,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Uhlaender accused the Canadian team and its coach, Joe Cecchini, of intentionally withdrawing the athletes, deliberately manipulating the field to benefit one of their own sliders’ bids for qualification.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sure, some out there were robbing old people, choking people, robbing them, beating them up, taking their money, but Troy just wasn’t like that.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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Ways to do that include cold showers, taking a nature walk, laughing, taking deep breaths, listening to something relaxing, or humming to yourself.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Contending (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contending%20%28with%29. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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