1
2
as in argues
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 alleges
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 contends
The civil complaint also contends that the hospital failed to notify Ashworth or properly treat Mollow.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
The company contends the pipe poses no health threat unless improperly handled, such as by cutting it with a power saw or drill.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
But Warden contends that many of the actual workers in the Bay retained their left-leaning politics.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Redrawing districts again could prompt a new legal challenge and lead a court to impose districts, Ferguson contends.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
It can be developed, Duckworth contends, not just in individuals but in organizations.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit contends that if not for the conspiracy, Michigan would be further along in transitioning away from fossil fuels and toward a greener economy, residents would be driving more EV vehicles and the United States wouldn't be playing catch-up to China in new energy technologies.
—Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The president, who is still publicly bitter about the unrest, contends it should have been met with a stronger show of force.
—Nicholas Riccardi, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Disney, Dish contends, uses carriage agreements to stipulate that the licensing of popular ESPN networks requires distributing less desirable content.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
The company contends the pipe poses no health threat unless improperly handled, such as by cutting it with a power saw or drill.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
But Warden contends that many of the actual workers in the Bay retained their left-leaning politics.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Redrawing districts again could prompt a new legal challenge and lead a court to impose districts, Ferguson contends.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
It can be developed, Duckworth contends, not just in individuals but in organizations.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit contends that if not for the conspiracy, Michigan would be further along in transitioning away from fossil fuels and toward a greener economy, residents would be driving more EV vehicles and the United States wouldn't be playing catch-up to China in new energy technologies.
—Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The president, who is still publicly bitter about the unrest, contends it should have been met with a stronger show of force.
—Nicholas Riccardi, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Disney, Dish contends, uses carriage agreements to stipulate that the licensing of popular ESPN networks requires distributing less desirable content.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contends
Verb
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Although the three share the track and a competitive spirit, the immediate family plan is focused primarily on Daniel, who already competes in outdoor karting with 100cc gasoline engines and has won races at the national level.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Its seasonal campaign is fronted by none other than the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics’ top stars, from Madison Chock (an Olympic gold medalist in ice dancing who competes with her husband Evan Bates) to bobsled world champ Kaysha Love.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The author argues this economic leverage represents the only meaningful way to hold the country accountable for what the author characterizes as federal overreach.—
Carlos De Loera,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The complaint argues the law is unconstitutional and that its overly broad measures are punishing a substantial amount of speech.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The lawsuit alleges diabetic Iowans have been overcharged millions of dollars a year and cut off from affordable insulin.—
Kyle Werner,
Des Moines Register,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Her lawsuit alleges that, as a fiduciary, Northern Trust had a legal duty to protect the assets in her trust estate by maintaining internal safeguards.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Alisann Blood, Co-Head of UTA’s Music Brand Partnerships, asserts.—
Charles Taylor,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Finally, the opinion asserts that the city concentrates poverty by prioritizing construction of new low-income housing in low resource areas.—
Heidi Vonblum,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The other piece, the mayor insists, must be these higher taxes, something that Hochul has maintained since before Mamdani’s election was a nonstarter.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
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The dissident insists on continuing his journey home.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And yet Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem claims that the agents were justified despite evidence so clear that it can be found unedited on YouTube.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Tooson claims the hospital failed to protect its employees from unlawful surveillance in one of the most private places, the workplace.—
Jeff Nguyen,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contends. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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