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
Many types of delusional disorders involve specific claims or contentions.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentions
Noun
-
In a case with no known eye witnesses, the pendant became a direct link between Jones and Nathan, one that prosecutors cited in closing arguments to secure a conviction and, later, a death sentence for Jones.—
Dan Horn,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Smith, who spoke first during closing arguments, reviewed footage from the bar and outside Vaughan’s apartment.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Still one of the NFL’s nastiest division rivalries, the game was full of skirmishes and a near-costly unnecessary roughness penalty late in the third against the Eagles that put the Cowboys in position to take the lead.—
Dan Gelston,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Premiering in 2011, the edgy comedy follows Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig) as her life unravels while serving as maid of honor for her best friend Lillian Donovan (Maya Rudolph), leading to a string of wedding planning mishaps and bridal party rivalries.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Israeli officials acknowledge there is hunger in parts of Gaza but reject assertions of famine or starvation.—
Nidal al-Mughrabi,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Reached for comment, Scale AI pushed back against Mercor’s assertions.—
Richard Nieva,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As a smart two-way player who can win board battles and create offense off the rush, Celebrini’s game translated extremely favorably to the pro ranks.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Launched in 2003, this sci-fi MMORPG has played host to epic spaceship battles and intergalactic heists on a scale that most other multiplayer games can only dream of.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But, of course, everything is constantly changing and evolving; therefore, especially within the ever-expanding domain of wealth management, the best advisors will always be open to testing former hypotheses and determining whether newer ideas will better serve their clients.—
Tim Maurer,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Initial hypotheses suggested those become more elaborate over time in response to the growing threat of Cretaceous predators.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Before welcoming William, the couple endured a six-year-long road to parenthood that included health issues for each of them in addition to their fertility struggles.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Fall in Michigan means less and less daylight as the season goes on and for many that signals the start of seasonal mental health struggles, though coping strategies can help, experts say.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The multibillion-dollar deal brings an end to legal conflicts that captured global attention and cements a clear future for the companies at the center of American and international news.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The laboratory also stressed the need for resilience against electronic warfare, particularly GPS jamming and spoofing, which have become common tactics in modern conflicts.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Two men shot by Denver police – one who was killed and one seriously injured – in separate confrontations in late August were wielding fake guns, Denver Police Department officials said Thursday.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Cow attacks previously prompted by dogs Dangerous and occasionally fatal confrontations with cows are a common occurence during mountain hikes in Austria often prompted by dog, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contentions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentions. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share