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
The court upheld the cap in 2001, but Republicans including Vice President JD Vance contend the Watergate-era limit is no longer needed to discourage corruption.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
Critics contend that the per-unit fee would make apartments less affordable and worry that just-cause eviction requirements could force landlords to renew leases for problem tenants.
—
Megan De Mar,
CBS News,
29 June 2026
Coastal Commission staff objected to city proposals to more aggressively shorten hours at many of the 35 affected lots, contending that would restrict coastal access too much.
—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2026
But hardly the seismic shift required to contend in the modern Western Conference.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contend
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
Critics contend that the per-unit fee would make apartments less affordable and worry that just-cause eviction requirements could force landlords to renew leases for problem tenants.
—
Megan De Mar,
CBS News,
29 June 2026
Coastal Commission staff objected to city proposals to more aggressively shorten hours at many of the 35 affected lots, contending that would restrict coastal access too much.
—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2026
But hardly the seismic shift required to contend in the modern Western Conference.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general, and Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to conservative British politicians, are competing to replace Newsom.
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According to Reuters, Gakpo was given time off to spend with his family, who are staying near the team base in Kansas City as the Netherlands competes in the World Cup.
Verb
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Srebnick, however, argued that the crash was a tragic accident — and did not amount to a crime.
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While some experts say the government should be involved in conversations about AI safety, others argue the result could stifle the industry.
Verb
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Rodríguez rejected those accusations, insisting authorities mobilized immediately.
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Even with some international teams packing up to go home, Rodríguez late Thursday insisted that the government was not winding down rescue efforts.
Verb
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With no energy available to warm the planet to these temperatures, the team reasoned that the temperature must be a residual effect of prior warming either from being engulfed by the red giant or during an inward migration.
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The second is reasoning intelligence, the layer that looks at a task, breaks it into steps and figures out how to do it, including things like making a judgement call on whether an object will be heavy or light.
Verb
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Youssef alleged the property later became associated with gang activity, narcotics activity, prostitution and violence.
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The nonprofit, which alleged the county violated the Surplus Lands Act by not first exploring affordable-housing development at the site, still has not dismissed its lawsuit.
Verb
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Kidan pleaded guilty in 2005 to fraud and conspiracy related to the purchase of a fleet of gambling boats, and in 2006 he was sentenced to nearly six years in prison.
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According to Graser, one of the victims had called from inside the burning building, pleading for help.
Verb
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Plaintiffs claimed that Disney’s carriage agreements required streaming platforms to include ESPN in base channel packages, limiting the ability of competitors to offer cheaper bundles.
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My dear friend has been in communication with someone online (and by phone) who claims to be a famous celebrity.
Verb
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Kavanaugh could have limited his separate opinion to asserting that Trump’s order couldn’t override a federal law, which was all that was needed to decide the case.
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Lawyers in the gas station lawsuit assert that technology is enabling antitrust violations.
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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