1
as in arguments
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 & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in rivalries
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
several actresses seem to be in heated contention for the title of "worst dressed"
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 contentions
However, the reality is that peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US and Europe are clearly stalled, if at worse dead with many contentions from both sides surrounding security concerns and, importantly, trade sanctions.
—
Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentions
Noun
-
Now, the case will at least proceed to oral arguments, which are likely to take place in January.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The court announcements come as the high court prepares for arguments in several high-profile cases.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The impact of geopolitics has surged, with national interests and strategic rivalries once again shaping global affairs and impacting business strategies.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
-
University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium hedges are more than just shrubbery around a field—they're witnesses to nearly a century of rivalries, victories, and legends that have graced Dooley Field.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Greater Denver Transit members acknowledged that safety has improved, but question the agency’s assertions based on app usage.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The administration has not made public any evidence to support those assertions.—
Luis Martinez,
ABC News,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But Costco also demonstrates the limitations of fighting political battles through a store.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The championship brought together teams from across Europe to showcase their small but agile robots in a series of head-to-head battles.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
That’s given researchers lots of hypotheses, but not a lot of experimental proof of how these phages behave or interact with bacteria (and, in turn, our health).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The prize recipients tested profound quantum mechanical hypotheses through clear and rigorous experimentation.—
Zhixin Wang,
The Conversation,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Season-long struggles; still fighting Charlotte has five games left on the schedule, starting with North Texas (6-1, 2-1 American) next Friday night on ESPN2.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Oct. 2025
-
To commemorate World Dyslexia Day, the former journalist opened up about her experience and the struggles of not being diagnosed early enough.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Thomas warns, the square with Pluto is particularly challenging, representing unexpected hurdles, conflicts, and hardship thrust at us from left field.—
Victoria Edel,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Armed conflicts have further contributed to supply chain disruptions and undermined the viability of the just-in-time delivery model.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There are heated confrontations and a slap, and Alma ruins her shot at tenure after stealing a colleague's prescription pad to get more pain meds.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Recent demonstrations have led to deadly confrontations and reports of police violence.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contentions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentions. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share