CONTENDS Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

contends

verb

present tense third-person singular of contend

as in competes

to engage in a contest two traditional rivals contending for the championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

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 contends The lawsuit contends that those who stand to benefit financially from the event include the president, who has investments in UFC's parent company, White, and the company's broadcast partner Paramount SkyDance, which is the parent company of CBS News, and its advertisers. —

Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 7 June 2026 The brief contends that the court, which halted the fund temporarily in May, should uphold its block. —

Garrett Downs, CNBC, 4 June 2026 The other contends that appointments leave judges beholden to politicians, and says voters should have a voice. —

Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 For petite brands, fit is a non-negotiable, Wang-Howell contends. —

Yerin Kim, InStyle, 3 June 2026 As robots grow more capable and AI more sophisticated, a growing chorus of researchers contends that machines can go further, do more, and take on greater risk – all at a fraction of the cost of keeping a human alive in orbit. —

Omar Kardoudi may 29, New Atlas, 29 May 2026 Vena contends the merger would create a stronger alternative to long-haul trucking, removing more than 2 million truckloads from roads annually. —

Jordan Blum, Fortune, 29 May 2026 The lawsuit has also roped in debate over the bureau’s February 2026 policy, which the government contends has replaced earlier guidance issued under an executive order that Lamberth initially enjoined last June. —

Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2026 But Norris contends that treating whiskey like collector’s items is missing the point. —

Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contends

Verb

Sohn competes as a member of FRC Team 3182 Athena’s Warriors, a 4-H team based in Hartford.

— P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
The bacteria also competes against viruses for key molecules like cholesterol in the mosquito.

— Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 June 2026