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 article contends that California voters prioritize real economic concerns—such as housing affordability, rising utility and grocery costs, and fuel expenses—over celebrity status and entertainment value, making substantive qualifications more important than star power.
—
Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
The Republican contends the selection came down to Democratic supervisors picking a political ally.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
For example, the ADL contends that vilification of Zionism — the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel — is a form of antisemitism, yet some Jews are among the critics of Zionism and of the ADL itself.
—David Crary, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Venezuela contends the Americans and Europeans conspired to cheat their country out of the land.
—ABC News, 4 May 2026
Mays contends the state unconstitutionally spent taxpayer money to fund the program, violating provisions of the Arkansas Constitution that restrict the use of public school funds.
—Arkansas Online, 4 May 2026
The analyst contends that there is more upside to pricing estimates, especially due to strength in NAND pricing, which is up 200% this year.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 3 May 2026
The course is the only in Newport Beach that is public and has accessible prices, the complaint contends.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Sherrill contends that this is necessary due to FIFA putting zero dollars toward transportation costs related to the World Cup.
—Thomas Kennedy, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
The Republican contends the selection came down to Democratic supervisors picking a political ally.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
For example, the ADL contends that vilification of Zionism — the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel — is a form of antisemitism, yet some Jews are among the critics of Zionism and of the ADL itself.
—David Crary, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Venezuela contends the Americans and Europeans conspired to cheat their country out of the land.
—ABC News, 4 May 2026
Mays contends the state unconstitutionally spent taxpayer money to fund the program, violating provisions of the Arkansas Constitution that restrict the use of public school funds.
—Arkansas Online, 4 May 2026
The analyst contends that there is more upside to pricing estimates, especially due to strength in NAND pricing, which is up 200% this year.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 3 May 2026
The course is the only in Newport Beach that is public and has accessible prices, the complaint contends.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Sherrill contends that this is necessary due to FIFA putting zero dollars toward transportation costs related to the World Cup.
—Thomas Kennedy, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contends
Verb
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Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old driver for Mercedes-AMG Petronas, competes in Sprint qualifying on Saturday.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
4 May 2026
-
At the same time, theater competes with streaming services in the attention economy.—
Glenn Davis,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Verb
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The filing also argues Flagg's performances are not comparable to Swift's album or brand.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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Letter urges reconsideration of design In a letter to church elders, Hubbard argues that newer LDS temple designs suggest tall steeples are not always necessary.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The mother also alleges in the lawsuit that the school was negligent and failed to protect her daughter.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
8 May 2026
-
The complaint also alleges that officials failed to disclose conflicts of interest tied to the zoning case.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 May 2026
Verb
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In the months before that change, Sun asserts, its management had been trying to pressure him into investing more in WLF.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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The filing Monday asserts that a shot was heard after Allen, who was outfitted with a shotgun, handgun and several knives, ran through a metal detector.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Wilson insists that MacInnes told her that an incident in September 2023, during which MacInnes and Ghost shared a bath in swimsuits, had made the young actress uncomfortable.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
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However, everyone insists her two absences were not related to that.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The report claims the enhancing of Putin’s own security measures came after this widening of the FSO’s remit.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
-
Coffey’s lawsuit claims the State Agricultural Society, which governs the Fair, violated the Minnesota Whistleblower Act by unlawful retaliation.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contends. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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