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
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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
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Recent Examples of contentions
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
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
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The debate over what the statute covers is playing out in the streets, with videos showing arguments between observers and federal agents about what conduct is legal and what isn’t.—
Isabelle Chapman,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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On the biggest stage — Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals — championships provide exclamation points in barstool arguments.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In a sport historically defined by fierce rivalries and intense behind-the-scenes competition, three athletes who could be battling each other for the same prize have instead chosen friendship.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
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Long gone are the days of catty rivalries between Tonya and Nancy, Michelle and Tara.—
Sara Germano,
Sportico.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The comments followed controversy over Stephen Colbert's assertions that CBS decided not to air its interview with Talarico because of the rule.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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Meta attorney Kevin Huff pushed back on those assertions in his opening statement, highlighting an array of efforts by the company to weed out harmful content from its platforms while warning users that some dangerous content still gets past its safety net.—
Barbara Ortutay,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The series of legal battles and a looming referendum take aim at an unprecedented special session in which lawmakers redrew the state’s congressional districts.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
17 Feb. 2026
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Almost fifty years ahead of the battles of World War II, the Marquis de Morès had faced death in order to avoid handing Africa over to the British and the Jews.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Non-falsifiable and untestable hypotheses cannot be checked out, and hence those ideas are incapable of disproof.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
-
If there are answers to these questions, or informed hypotheses, this biography does not provide them.—
Kathryn Schulz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Focusing on Mental Health Everything changed when a 24-year-old Simone Biles withdrew from the finals during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, mentioning her mental health struggles.—
Kristy Alpert,
Outside,
19 Feb. 2026
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Her struggles are relatable, and her emotional victories — which often involve calling in help from Bandit, or her neighbor Wendy — feel likewise within reach.—
Miranda Rake,
Parents,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Modi said India would continue to advocate for peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts in western Asia and eastern Europe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Lumley said the progress of the bill halted in 2025 due to conflicts with some of the agricultural groups in the state.—
Cami Koons,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Need for speed Over the last decade, India and China have had several confrontations over the buildup of roads and infrastructure near the border.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
17 Feb. 2026
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Kim in recent months has sent thousands of troops and large quantities of military equipment, including artillery and missiles, to fuel Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine, as the leaders align i n the face of their separate confrontations with Washington.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contentions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentions. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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