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
The passing of time is the only thing that will reveal the veracity of their contentions and what some of the underlying numbers suggest regarding the quality of their at-bats not being reflected in their production.
—
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
An administration official would make a claim about what happened, and later evidence would find these contentions to be misleading.
—Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
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
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
An administration official would make a claim about what happened, and later evidence would find these contentions to be misleading.
—Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentions
Noun
-
If that timeline holds, closing arguments would take place on May 5, and a sentencing verdict could come that same day.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The health and environmental arguments for these political positions have been argued to death, but Barrett says that the economic consequences of dirty air are often overlooked.—
Meg Tanaka,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some may fall victim to regional political rivalries and never materialize.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
And obviously there have been some really great rivalries.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Those vociferous, flat-out denials had been enough to sway the politicians and union leaders who endorsed Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid, until the weight of evidence made Swalwell’s assertions untenable.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
-
However, in a court filing on Monday, the parents made several assertions and previewed their arguments.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Grandmasters chronicles the rivalries, reinventions, and personal battles shaping the modern pursuit of greatness in the game of kings.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Passages range from the creation of the world to bloody battles and apocalyptic destruction, from exhortations to love of God, neighbor and the needy to passages telling of Jesus' life, death and resurrection.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
What is emerging is a picture of an artist of profound mathematical acuity, who mobilized geometric, sequential, and modular forms to test hypotheses on interrelation, regeneration, and evolution in pursuit of mystical revelation.—
Katherine Rochester,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2026
-
His method of intellectual humility is to admit ignorance, test variables and revise working hypotheses based on new data, staying open to suggestions from others the whole time.—
Deana L. Weibel,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Jokic contributed mightily to those struggles, going 7 for 26 from the floor as Gobert again won that individual matchup.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
-
This year that quarterback-in-waiting is Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a talented and smart player whose evaluation is complicated by injury struggles, as well as a lack of starting experience and consistency.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Despite persistent economic headwinds and ongoing global conflicts affecting trade and transportation, the mood among exhibitors and attendees at Kingpins Amsterdam last week was notably more optimistic than at the previous two editions.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The candidates that are having conflicts on the stage.—
Julie Watts
April 20,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ahead, our experts break down what’s legal, what’s murky, and how best to initiate a conversation with your neighbor to avoid confrontations down the road.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Among lawmakers on Capitol Hill, as more video confrontations pop up online, TMZ’s presence is looming larger.—
Dominick Mastrangelo,
The Hill,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contentions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentions. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
