1
2
as in argued
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 insisted
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 contended
But multiple former offensive linemen contended Campbell’s Super Bowl struggles were not due to his arms.
—
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
Defense lawyers Brian Klein and Axel contended in court filings that Puig, who is from Cuba, was confused because of his language barrier and a dual diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
The lawsuit that prompted the Court’s ruling also contended the new standards wrongfully injected Christian teachings into public education and would violate students’ religious freedoms.
—Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 5 Feb. 2026
Noting that the advocates are not seeking to end irrigated agriculture, McManus contended that recent salmon rebounds followed wetter years with more water in rivers, not habitat projects.
—Chaewon Chung
updated January 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Opponents contended that the project would create traffic and flooding issues on land that was originally zoned for agricultural uses.
—Alexia Aston, Oklahoman, 26 Jan. 2026
In granting that request, the court rejected a motion filed by Ohio State, which contended that the plaintiffs were only trying to draw Wexner into their case based on unrelated controversies.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Following that hearing, Hill contended that criminal acts had occurred during the election, and prosecutors should act.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
In the Lambden case, a homeowner contended that the board pursued the wrong response to termite problems and sued the HOA.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
Defense lawyers Brian Klein and Axel contended in court filings that Puig, who is from Cuba, was confused because of his language barrier and a dual diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
The lawsuit that prompted the Court’s ruling also contended the new standards wrongfully injected Christian teachings into public education and would violate students’ religious freedoms.
—Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 5 Feb. 2026
Noting that the advocates are not seeking to end irrigated agriculture, McManus contended that recent salmon rebounds followed wetter years with more water in rivers, not habitat projects.
—Chaewon Chung
updated January 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Opponents contended that the project would create traffic and flooding issues on land that was originally zoned for agricultural uses.
—Alexia Aston, Oklahoman, 26 Jan. 2026
In granting that request, the court rejected a motion filed by Ohio State, which contended that the plaintiffs were only trying to draw Wexner into their case based on unrelated controversies.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Following that hearing, Hill contended that criminal acts had occurred during the election, and prosecutors should act.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
In the Lambden case, a homeowner contended that the board pursued the wrong response to termite problems and sued the HOA.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contended
Verb
-
Women have never competed in Nordic combined at the Olympics.—
Rebecca Tauber,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Hayden, meanwhile, has competed well throughout her rookie season.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Critics argued that the hotel industry was already faced with the minimum wage changes and low demand, and increasing taxes by any amount could send tourists to competing hotels in nearby cities.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
In a 2014 editorial, the Times argued the federal ban on the drug should be repealed, and the decision should be left up to the individual states.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Putin, however, has insisted that Russia would achieve its objectives in Ukraine one way or another.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The 66-year-old actor insisted paying attention to subtle changes in his body made all the difference in his cancer battle while talking about his new business venture – AWEAR Market.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Last year, the budget process went into overtime as the two chambers fought over sales taxes and clashed with DeSantis.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
For the next three years, American forces—including approximately 10,000 American Indian soldiers—along with troops from 15 other nations, fought to prevent a Communist takeover.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Aside from contributing more tax money and stimulating the economy, O’Leary also reasoned that some billionaires are self-made and shouldn’t be punished for succeeding financially in their careers.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Altman reasoned that these economic changes would be the result of AI allowing individuals to be vastly more productive.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This dynamic has produced a range of figures, from the late Sathya Sai Baba, who claimed to perform miracles, to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose appeal lies in his widely popular Art of Living Foundation, which offers yoga and spiritual advice.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Nanos claimed Cross campaigned against him while wearing his Pima County Sheriff's uniform in breach of department rules, which Cross denied.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The excitement is real — the first time Pastrana raced in the Daytona 500.—
Ryan Morik Fox News,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Inside an Irving Park bungalow, kids raced barefoot through the dining room, zooming past paper chains taped to the ceiling.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Demand independent confirmation of whatever statements are asserted as facts.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The Federal Transit Administration has asserted that assault rates against public transit passengers and workers in Charlotte exceed the national average.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contended.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contended. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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