CONTENTIONS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

contentions

noun

plural of contention

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

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 At the time, Sackler offered no response to these contentions. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026 Nowhere is this reconciliation more evident than in the enduring contentions surrounding France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia, also known as Kanak by its native community. — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 The main contentions were the state not fully funding public schools according to the state’s funding formula and an additional $10 million to support the Missouri Scholars Program, which can go toward students in private schools. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentions

Noun

In 2020, as critics of standardized tests made similar equity arguments, the UC system decided to remove the use of SAT and ACT test scores in admissions.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
So a judge will analyze the arguments in the lawsuit and weigh whether to grant the TRO.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of arguments

Noun

At a time when the news cycle seems to serve up nothing but conflict, crisis and woe, the World Cup offers shelter, a truly international event in which conflict is defined by long-term sports rivalries and questionable referee decisions.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly looking to pair James with Stephen Curry, which would turn one of the NBA's greatest rivalries into two of the game's greatest stars fighting for their fifth title together.

— Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of rivalries

Noun

That tweet has been peppered by at least a dozen community notes that keep coming and going, challenging PlayStation’s assertions about digital adoption.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
While there’s some scientific support for the idea that finger movements can engage the brain, neurologists say assertions that daily pinky time can ward off dementia on its own are overblown.

— Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 3 July 2026

Definition of assertions

Noun

By the time Apple wins its lawsuit against OpenAI, the decisive battles in the war might already be over.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2026
Against Brazil, Solbakken’s side worked hard to leave their physically intimidating centre-forwards in one-on-one battles for long passes in behind.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of battles

Noun

This turns out to be a parable about the long and winding road that runs from mere hypotheses through lab results and real-world data, and then on to solid truth.

— Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
Powar explained that these systems are increasingly capable of working independently for extended periods, testing hypotheses, solving problems, and adapting their approach without constant human input.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

Definition of hypotheses

Noun

Biden’s term was defined by a wide range of conflicts and achievements, from his handling of wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to the passage of ambitious infrastructure and economic aid bills.

— Hillel Italie, Fortune, 15 July 2026
For instance, imagine users asking for advice on interpersonal conflicts or looking for feedback on work collaboration with international partners.

— Alexandra Figueroa, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

Definition of conflicts

Noun

The use of body cameras has largely garnered bipartisan agreement, particularly amid aggressive confrontations between federal agents and members of the public over the past year.

— Holmes Lybrand, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Given that assaults with a firearm are more likely to lead to the death of the victim than assaults using other weapons, confrontations became deadlier.

— James Tuttle, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

Definition of confrontations

Browse Nearby Words

contention

contentions

contentious

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Contentions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentions. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of contentions

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on contentions

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

bibelot

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes