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
Oregon contends that the organization doesn’t have the right to sue and hasn’t proven it’s been harmed, which are both necessary for the suit to move forward.
—
Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Supporters contend Comer addresses important national issues relevant to Kentucky voters while also securing local wins.
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025
Even if the bill may cause some short-term pain, MAGA stalwarts contend, the apocalyptic claims of critics of massive health cuts are hoaxes spread by the radical left media.
—Alex Hinton, The Conversation, 24 July 2025
The states contend a blanket ban is necessary to afford them that, arguing a patchwork injunction that only applies to some areas of the country would cause chaos when migrants inevitably move across state lines.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Supporters contend Comer addresses important national issues relevant to Kentucky voters while also securing local wins.
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025
Even if the bill may cause some short-term pain, MAGA stalwarts contend, the apocalyptic claims of critics of massive health cuts are hoaxes spread by the radical left media.
—Alex Hinton, The Conversation, 24 July 2025
The states contend a blanket ban is necessary to afford them that, arguing a patchwork injunction that only applies to some areas of the country would cause chaos when migrants inevitably move across state lines.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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In contrast, the Cincinnati area is aging more quickly and struggling to draw in younger workers — a trend that, according to the chamber's report, could hinder the region’s ability to compete with other metros in business growth, infrastructure development, and innovation.—
Randy Tucker,
The Enquirer,
25 July 2025
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Teams are competing to win the $50,000 grand prize.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
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But Trump has questioned the strategic relationship, arguing that Tokyo takes advantage of Washington on trade while Americans pay to defend Japan under a long-standing security agreement.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
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The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which King co-founded in 1957, opposed the release, arguing that the FBI illegally surveilled King and other civil rights figures.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
21 July 2025
Verb
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But Beijing and Hong Kong insist the national security laws were necessary for the city's stability.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 July 2025
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The club insisted Isak was left behind because of a minor thigh problem but The Athletic reported on Thursday sources, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to do so publicly, indicated the forward favoured being omitted amid his uncertain future.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
Verb
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As an advocate for scientific research, Peoples reasoned that seemingly arcane discoveries can unexpectedly yield astonishing and wide-range applications and results.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
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Far beyond the robotic process automation of the past, Gen AI platforms can now reason, create and analyze with a sophistication that rivals human capability.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Neymar has alleged that a fan called him a mercenary and spoke about his family and friends after Santos’ 2-1 home defeat by Internacional on Wednesday.—
Nnamdi Onyeagwara,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
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The lawsuit alleged that Tyler Technologies Inc. violated the state’s 2024 Honest Pricing Law by adding hidden fees to campsite reservations.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Smith pleaded guilty to one federal count in exchange for her cooperation.—
Craig Shoup,
The Tennessean,
23 July 2025
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Goodlett pleaded guilty to conspiracy and awaits sentencing, while Meany and Jaynes have pleaded not guilty to new federal charges.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Today, she was provided a better opportunity to claim her second world title in Singapore.—
Paras J. Haji,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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For the second consecutive year, Utah, New Hampshire, and Idaho claimed the top three positions, the study noted.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
Verb
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Acrobatics & tumbling asserts its athletic diversity, drawing on a wide range of strengths from its participants.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
14 July 2025
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In his letter, Donovan asserted that the Chiefs had submitted a proposal to the state and received no response for six weeks — a claim Kelly administration officials dispute.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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