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
Those in favor of the bans contend that transgender athletes have biological advantages that are unfair and unsafe for other girls and women.
—
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025
But when the race became tactical, Rogers found himself in a position to contend.
—Cory Mull, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
The Knicks contend Azotam was a mole or spy who the Raptors hired in a video and player development assistant role.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Bishop contends that melanin, which produces skin, hair, and eye pigmentation, has almost supernatural powers enhanced by the sun.
—David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025
But when the race became tactical, Rogers found himself in a position to contend.
—Cory Mull, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
The Knicks contend Azotam was a mole or spy who the Raptors hired in a video and player development assistant role.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Bishop contends that melanin, which produces skin, hair, and eye pigmentation, has almost supernatural powers enhanced by the sun.
—David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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In today’s marketplace, government R&D in launch or space mobility needlessly competes against private capital.—
Charles Beames,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Pakistan competed with 16 other countries for a chance to host International Cricket Council events taking place between 2024 and 2031.—
Betsy Joles,
NPR,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Advocates for Syed argued that the evidence used to convict him was unreliable and that police ignored leads pointing to other potential suspects.—
Chloe Atkins,
NBC News,
27 Feb. 2025
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Sports is an example of the company’s effort to reckon with a changing landscape, the letter argued.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Undeterred, Budden continued, insisting that animals find the interactions as pleasurable.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
4 Mar. 2025
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Some argue that excessive washing strips natural oils, while others insist regular cleansing is necessary for scalp health.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Likewise, the judge reasoned that Motorsport had no duty to update Innovate.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Feb. 2025
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The court ruled in the plaintiff’s favor, reasoning that Amtrak was a government actor because it was created by special law, served important governmental objectives, and its board members were appointed by the government.—
Suzanne Eckes,
The Conversation,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The following year, Bonta again led a coalition of state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the social media giant violated state consumer protection laws and exploited younger users.—
William Melhado,
Sacramento Bee,
4 Mar. 2025
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Republicans allege that Zelensky's Pennsylvania visit was improper campaign support for then-Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Kamala Harris, despite Zelensky's insistence that the visit was diplomatic in nature.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Ruby Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse and admitted to torturing her children.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Sandra Perez, 36, pleaded guilty on Nov. 19, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney for the Texas Southern District Nicholas J. Ganjei.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Throughout the investigation, Picerno claimed Willis knew nothing about the men’s deaths.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2025
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Meghan Markle will never win over UK public again, author claims Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of My Mother and I, discusses how the Duchess of Sussex isnt going to be welcomed back across the pond anytime soon following her royal exit.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
Fox News,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Some assert that this limits what those bang-for-the-buck labs are willing to play around with, whereas academic labs are presumably freer to make wilder speculative efforts.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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In a letter to fellow Democrats, Jeffries asserted that the House belongs to the American people and called for representatives to stand firm.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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