contention

1 an idea or opinion that is put forth in a discussion or debate my contention is that today's lower batting averages are the result of better pitching Synonyms argument, assertion, thesis Related Words conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis, speculation, surmise, theory; proposal, proposition; assumption, presupposition, supposition; position, stand; case, explanation, rationale, reason

2 an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another several actresses seem to be in heated contention for the title of “worst dressed” Synonyms ball game, battle, combat, competition, conflict, confrontation, contest, dogfight, duel, face-off, grapple, match, rivalry, strife, struggle, sweepstakes (also sweep-stake), tug-of-war, war, warfareRelated Words horse race, nail-biter; showdown; clash, collision, discord, friction; argument, controversy, debate, disagreement, disputation, dispute, dissension (also dissention), quarrel, row, wrangleNear Antonyms concord, harmony, peace