Synonyms of contends

contends

verb

present tense third-person singular of contend

1

as in competes

to engage in a contest

two traditional rivals contending for the championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• competes
• races
• fights
• battles
• rivals
• vies
• engages
• plays
• challenges
• faces off
• maneuvers
• jostles
• works
• tries out
• goes out
• jockeys
• trains

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

• argues
• asserts
• reasons
• insists
• pleads
• maintains
• explains
• convinces
• suggests
• justifies
• claims
• mentions
• persuades
• cites
• considers
• proposes
• affirms
• avers
• recommends
• offers
• urges
• adduces
• submits
• discusses
• defends
• advises
• enforces
• advocates
• refutes
• gives
• avows
• espouses
• counsels
• advances
• rationalizes
• supports
• counters
• debates
• rebuts
• disproves
• avouches
• champions
• confutes

3

as in alleges

to state as a fact usually forcefully

contended that his opponent was wrong about practically everything

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alleges
• insists
• claims
• asserts
• maintains
• argues
• declares
• affirms
• announces
• proclaims
• avers
• purports
• professes
• protests
• avows
• confirms
• warrants
• defends
• puts forth
• reasons
• rationalizes
• justifies
• avouches
• vindicates
• broadcasts
• reaffirms
• reasserts
• upholds
• perseveres
• supports

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• denies
• rejects
• abandons
• negates
• repudiates
• disclaims
• disavows
• challenges
• refutes
• disputes
• gainsays
• contradicts
• counters
• disproves
• rebuts
• disowns
• questions
• negatives
• confutes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contends

The IndustriALL Bangladesh Council, or IBC, contends that the clock began when the existing garment wage took effect in December 2023. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

The author contends the Fed cannot control price shifts stemming from sophisticated global cooperation, new technologies, or supply chain disruptions, making blame for inflation or expectations of quick fixes unrealistic. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Raman contends that Bass’ signature program Inside Safe, which dismantles encampments and moves people living there into motels, hotels and interim housing, is overly expensive and unsustainable. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

The lawsuit filed by the other employee contends the arrest never should have happened. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026

Jeanie contends that her siblings don’t have the authority to sell the family’s stake. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

The new lawsuit contends Schwapp, a former Bloomfield police captain, has lived in Simsbury during his year and a half as town manager. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026

Relatedly, Wrigley View Rooftop contends there is no legal support for the proposition that the Cubs gain a property right merely because the two businesses might be competing for people willing to pay to watch Cubs games. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Bragg's office contends that the state charges, including murder and firearms offenses, involve different legal elements and criminal conduct than federal charges, which alleged Mangione traveled across state lines to stalk and kill Thompson. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026