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
Mental health experts contend every relationship looks different.
—
David Oliver, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Property tax debacle White contends that he’s been unfairly scapegoated for county disputes including over federal funding allocations, residential and commercial property valuations and the 2025 budget freeze.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
The Celtics are unlikely to contend for Banner 19 in Year 1 of the Chisholm era, but the new boss said the franchise’s goals have not changed.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Related Stories The groups contend Kimmel’s suspension is a potential violation of Disney’s obligations to shareholders.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
David Oliver, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Property tax debacle White contends that he’s been unfairly scapegoated for county disputes including over federal funding allocations, residential and commercial property valuations and the 2025 budget freeze.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
The Celtics are unlikely to contend for Banner 19 in Year 1 of the Chisholm era, but the new boss said the franchise’s goals have not changed.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Related Stories The groups contend Kimmel’s suspension is a potential violation of Disney’s obligations to shareholders.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
-
The Tonale competes with compact and subcompact luxury SUVs like the Audi Q3, BMW X2, Lexus UX and Mercedes GLA.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Zooming out a little, these centres will act as part of a national industrial policy, with local governments competing to set up their own robot bases to attract companies and funding.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers have argued that travel to Moshannon is far more difficult for members of the defense team based in Nashville, and not easier for those in New York.—
Christine Valora,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Sep. 2025
-
During oral arguments at the Arizona Supreme Court, attorney Eric Fraser, who argued on behalf of the state, didn't deny political violence occurred in the country.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Yet Huang insists the skeptics are missing the deeper forces reshaping the economy.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Advertisement As a result, civil rights leaders insisted that the pursuit of equality depended on freedom for unpopular speech.—
Time,
Time,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Supreme Court disagreed, reasoning the membership relationship between UNLV and the NCAA didn’t warrant a finding of state action by the NCAA.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Michell was reasoning from Newton’s laws.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In a high-profile, three-month-long trial, prosecutors alleged that Sarkozy funneled millions of dollars from the Libyan government into his campaign coffers; he was acquitted of further charges of embezzlement and corruption.—
Claire Cameron,
semafor.com,
28 Sep. 2025
-
The inquest is expected to consider some or all of the concerns that were raised at the time and reported by The Athletic in the immediate aftermath, with multiple eyewitnesses alleging failings in the care provided by Sheffield Wednesday and its medical services.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
By February 10, 1999, the higher court had decided on the legal issues, and Shane went ahead and pleaded guilty.—
John J. Lennon,
Rolling Stone,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Green, the Congregation Or Zion rabbi, previously faced death threats from a Tempe man who pleaded guilty in 2023 and was subsequently jailed.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But she’s perturbed when Emily adds on the allegation about her makeout session, which Gretchen’s fiancé Slade claims to have on tape.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Head coach Bryan Pinabell said that the Spartans were a big challenge, but claiming the road victory was something his team took pride in.—
Erik Anderson,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In a Fox Business interview, Carr mentioned that the FTC is contemplating broadening its click-to-cancel rulemaking, asserting his disagreement with the previous administration’s approach to establishing the rule.—
Jordan Green,
Nashville Tennessean,
26 Sep. 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,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share