CONTENDS Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

contends

verb

Definition of contends next

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 Colorado Chamber of Commerce contends that the bill would create duplicative enforcement and regulatory systems. —

Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026 The Justice Department contends both the mask ban and the ID law illegally interfere with the operation of the federal government, a violation of the Constitution’s supremacy clause, while California likens them to highway speed limits, which apply to everyone equally. —

Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026 Live Nation also contends the government lacks evidence of price discrimination with concert tickets and instead is attempting to make that point through conjecture and theory. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2026 Broward is the bluest county in the state, though DeNapoli contends his city is more supportive of the president than the rest of the county. —

Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026 The lawsuit contends the district’s approach crosses a legal line. —

Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026 The complaint contends that officials failed to enforce the student conduct code dealing with underage drinking parties at Carriage House and did not take the proper steps to curb or prevent the large parties that had become synonymous with Spring Weekend. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026 The lawsuit contends that Oshkosh engages in anticompetitive practices, namely, requiring customers of its subsidiary, Pierce Manufacturing, to purchase only Pierce proprietary parts even when the same products are available from competitors at much lower prices. —

Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 27 Feb. 2026 Aldo contends he was assaulted during international trips, at Neverland Ranch, in New York, at the family residence, and at video shoots and recording sessions. —

Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contends

Verb

Implats, which competes with Valterra and Sibanye-Stillwater in the platinum group metals market, has a long-standing presence in Zimbabwe, having steadily built its stake in Zimplats in the early 2000s and become the dominant owner, holding more than 80% of the company.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
When Fritz competes on home soil, his tennis often blooms.

— Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026