1
2
as in to argue
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration
contended that the senator's considerable experience made him the best candidate
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully
contended that his opponent was wrong about practically everything
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 contend
Kennedy has long contended that the advisors on those panels have close ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
—
Annika Kim Constantino,bertha Coombs,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025
The Celtics are not expected to contend for a championship in Chisholm’s first season in charge after losing superstar Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles and then revamping their roster in pursuit of luxury tax relief.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Individuals or companies who have contending innovations within these areas may submit their achievements to the Academy for review by its scientific and technical committee.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025
However, critics contended that Morales also degraded democracy by, for example, stacking the courts and ignoring term limits.
—Mollie J. Cohen, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Annika Kim Constantino,bertha Coombs,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025
The Celtics are not expected to contend for a championship in Chisholm’s first season in charge after losing superstar Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles and then revamping their roster in pursuit of luxury tax relief.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Individuals or companies who have contending innovations within these areas may submit their achievements to the Academy for review by its scientific and technical committee.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025
However, critics contended that Morales also degraded democracy by, for example, stacking the courts and ignoring term limits.
—Mollie J. Cohen, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
-
On the first Friday under the lights of the Texas high school football stadium, Aledo fans donning the orange and black and packed the stands to see their Bearcats compete.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Consolidation is one recourse for Europe's cash-flush lenders to bulk up their scale and compete with Wall Street's historically more lucrative banking giants.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The officer told the two males to stop arguing and called for assistance.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Though some have argued there are similarities in how Trump works as a statesman, in comparison to Reagan.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The Residences’ partners insisted wood be wood, leather be leather, and plastic should never be a faux substitute because the ultra rich instantly spot imitations.—
Lilian Raji,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
The developments come as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that only a comprehensive ceasefire — one that ensures the return of all hostages and ends the war on Israel’s terms — will be considered.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
However, this team reasons that if WIMPs existed, the 40 or so years of hunting that have been conducted thus far should have turned up a signal.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
This could even reason enough to buy an iPhone, some now suggest.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Authorities allege Mangione continues to influence followers even while in custody.—
Emma Marsden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Authorities allege voice messages found on CDobleta’s phone during that separate investigation implicated CHIMI in his current case.—
Juan J. Arroyo,
Rolling Stone,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In a few short years, my plaintive, pleading tone would seem awkward and apologetic, compared to the confrontational calls on campuses for a free Palestine from the river to the sea, or Kneecap’s concert criticisms.—
Philip Metres
August 27,
Literary Hub,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Parents had pleaded for child’s return After reporting the kidnapping to police, the Haro parents spoke to CNN affiliate KCAL/KCBS pleading for the baby’s return and explaining their version of what happened.—
Stephanie Elam,
CNN Money,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Ukrainian officials claim the Flamingo may outperform the U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile, both in firepower and production costs.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Crewed trips with humans would then follow most likely in the early 2030s, Musk has claimed.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Grant and family estate assert right to ownership Even if Nashville Church of Christ’s ministries are legitimate, Grant and Burton argue the activity is not a proper use of the property according to its deed.—
Liam Adams,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
-
To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share