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 American Chemistry Council, the chief trade group for plastics manufacturers, contends academic researchers haven’t proven the industry’s products are hazardous. —Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

True economic expansion, the piece contends, originates from savings invested into businesses and innovative ventures, which then fuel future production. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Spalding contends that the container manufacturers sold equipment at inflated prices to leasing companies, ocean carriers and logistics providers, which then incorporated those costs into lease rates, freight charges and transportation fees. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 18 June 2026

While not excusing his crime, Rogers contends Spencer has changed while on Death Row. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 18 June 2026

Sanders contends that a small group of technology executives now captures most of the economic benefits generated from those resources. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026

The complaint contends that Martinez’s constitutional rights were violated and that the agents violated federal regulations by not identifying themselves as immigration authorities. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026

The group contends that Bores is the only candidate who is bought and paid for. —Matt Brown, Fortune, 17 June 2026

Ideas expressed in the piece The article argues that the glee over Tom Steyer’s loss in the California governor’s race reflects a broader, understandable anger at extreme wealth in an era of serf‑lord–level inequality, but contends that this anger is being misdirected at the wrong billionaire. —Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026