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
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Recent Examples of contend
UConn Huskies: The UConn Huskies are favoured to contend for a championship, with Paige Bueckers playing in her last March Madness.
—
Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
This is a standard defense in commercial litigation and contends a party that voluntarily accepts a set of business and economic policies should not later sue over them.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Supporters of the department contend the administration can’t end or move statutory programs without congressional support.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
Original reports contended that this production of Evita would actually star Zegler’s West Side Story co-star, and Oscar winner, Ariana DeBose.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
This is a standard defense in commercial litigation and contends a party that voluntarily accepts a set of business and economic policies should not later sue over them.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Supporters of the department contend the administration can’t end or move statutory programs without congressional support.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
Original reports contended that this production of Evita would actually star Zegler’s West Side Story co-star, and Oscar winner, Ariana DeBose.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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Their reign came to an end on a late February episode of Raw, where they were defeated by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Despite losing the titles, both Belair and Naomi competed in the Women's Elimination Chamber match in Toronto.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
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Jony and Line compete like gang members for affection and domination against bawdy Jane (Anamaria Vartolomei) and Rudy (Julien Manier), who wield laser swords and decapitate their enemies.—
Armond White,
National Review,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The big picture: Democrats have hammered Trump and Elon Musk for their approach to slicing federal agencies, arguing the administration has cut positions and programs without a clear understanding of the consequences.—
Stephen Neukam,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
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Critics argue the spending has gotten out of hand, while services haven’t improved.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Howe rightly insists that, rather than try to completely shut out the emotion this time around, Newcastle need to channel it correctly.—
Gregg Evans,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 2025
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Considering the low traction conditions that saw several F1 cars struggle even at low speeds, Croft and Brundle insisted that the race should have been red-flagged until the track was clear to race again.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Sunflower seed butter, developers reasoned, would be a profitable use for a domestic crop while serving as an allergen-free alternative to peanut butter.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appétit,
13 Mar. 2025
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Some changes are natural and to be expected, but more severe cases can lead to dementia, a chronic condition that affects memory, language, reasoning abilities and even the ability to perform certain daily activities.—
Dr. Baibing Chen, Contributor,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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There has been speculation over the contents of the files since an FOI request was brought by conservative US think-tank the Heritage Foundation, which alleged that Harry may have concealed past drug use that should have disqualified him from obtaining a visa.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2025
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Authorities allege that Steven Gress, 35, used the online dating app Grindr to lure Corsette to his house, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Tampa, on Feb. 14.—
Julia Bonavita,
Fox News,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Tennessee Republican pleaded guilty in the case in 2022 and then unsuccessfully tried to reverse that plea.—
Adam Tamburin,
Axios,
12 Mar. 2025
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Still, Elon Musk of the Department of Government Efficiency pleaded last month with air traffic controllers who have recently retired to return to work.—
Russell Lewis,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Furthermore, North Korea claimed that its nuclear program is an integral part of its defense program.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
18 Mar. 2025
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The rights organization claimed the law cannot be used against nationals of Venezuela because the United States is not at war with Venezuela nor has Venezuela launched a predatory incursion into the United States.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Alien and Sedition Acts elicited a firestorm of criticism soon after they were passed, including from Jefferson and James Madison, who asserted that states have the right and duty to declare some federal laws unconstitutional.—
Daniel Tichenor,
The Conversation,
17 Mar. 2025
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In August, during an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists conference, Trump falsely asserted that Harris had not identified before as both Black and Indian.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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