Synonym Chooser

How does the noun contention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contention are conflict, discord, dissension, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When would conflict be a good substitute for contention?

The synonyms conflict and contention are sometimes interchangeable, but conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Where would discord be a reasonable alternative to contention?

In some situations, the words discord and contention are roughly equivalent. However, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When can dissension be used instead of contention?

While in some cases nearly identical to contention, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When is it sensible to use strife instead of contention?

The words strife and contention can be used in similar contexts, but strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When might variance be a better fit than contention?

The meanings of variance and contention largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

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 contention But things just haven’t materialized Meanwhile, the Thunder — once assumed to be years away from contention — executed one of the most impressive rebuilds in modern sports. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025 One area of contention is around the cost of the reconciliation legislation. Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025 The eventual national champion Ohio State Buckeyes eliminated the Longhorns from playoff contention in January. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025 Although few would consider those players franchise-altering names, their developments were promising enough to help the Lakers retool their roster to not only entice James to go West, but build around him for one last window of contention under the Buss family’s watch. James Jackson, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contention
Noun
  • The murder trial was set to begin next month, starting with jury selection on Aug. 4, and opening arguments two weeks later.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 1 July 2025
  • That argument has caught the attention of the Trump administration.
    Daniel Ackerman, NPR, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s been a lot of change in college football in recent years, but rivalries still form the foundation of the sport for so many fans.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • Adding an element of controversy to what’s been an unusually friendly title rivalry, Piastri even suggested that if McLaren thought the call was unfair, the team could ask him and Norris to swap places to cancel the effect of the penalty.
    James Ellingworth, Denver Post, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • In one exchange, Nicholson challenged residents' assertion that the report said the welcome center would be located near a residential neighborhood, drawing a swift reaction from the crowd, according to a recording of the meeting.
    Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
  • In line with the Constitution's assertion that the transfer of power happens at exactly noon on Jan. 20, Trump will take the presidential oath during the swearing-in ceremony.
    Jordan Kellogg, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Their manager, Sarina Wiegman, has an extraordinary record in this competition, having won it with both the Netherlands and England.
    Darren Richman, New York Times, 5 July 2025
  • After beginning his Team Penske career in 2007 as a sports car tire specialist, Law rose through the ranks to become a championship-winning chief mechanic in the IndyCar Series before enjoying the same success in sports car competition.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Failing to test hypotheses via incremental launches and skipping milestone checks risks prioritizing activity over impact, wasting resources on features customers may not value or use rather than driving meaningful innovation.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In the search for extraterrestrial life, much like climate change, there is a detection and attribution phase, which requires the robust testing of hypotheses and also rigorous scrutiny.
    Oliver Swainston, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Pro-Israel groups have fought a decades-long battle to marginalize the movement, which its critics say seeks the eradication of Israel as a Jewish state.
    Gabe Friedman, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • Advertisement The Netanyahu government's prolonging of the war Netanyahu continues to battle with approval ratings amid an ongoing corruption trial back home.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda's struggles continue as he gets eliminated once again during Q1 at the Austrian Grand Prix.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • The struggle was so real that Reynolds unveiled a special musical production for McElhenney's birthday devoted to teaching fans the pronunciation of his costar's last name, enlisting the help of some of his famous friends as well as members of the club's hometown.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Despite the flare-up, Wedbush technology analyst Dan Ives expects the conflict between Musk and Mr. Trump to die down moving forward.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • During the recent conflict, the Israeli Air Force demonstrated an impressive capability to reach targets deep inside Iran while relying on its aged Boeing 707 tankers for refueling its fighter jets.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contention. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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