1
2
as in argues
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 alleges
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 contends
The administration contends this interpretation aligns with historical constitutional understanding rather than contradicting it.
—
Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Biblical scholar Bart Ehrman contends that our modern sense of altruism can be traced back to the radical shift in ethical thinking sparked by Jesus' teachings.
—Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026
The case is multi-layered in that Gabehart contends he was misled about his job responsibilities when promoted to competition director.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that while LaBeouf’s attorneys were still aggressively pursuing their position and seeking monetary compensation from Barnett, a partying LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans on assault charges for allegedly punching two bar patrons.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
Roman contends that the flavor haunts her, with its donut-like taste and texture.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
Texas contends Villarreal gained Facebook followers by getting police officers to tell her the identities of a person who killed himself by jumping off a Laredo overpass and of a family involved in a car accident.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
The administration contends relaxed gas mileage requirements will help the auto industry and lower vehicle prices for consumers.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit further contends the county failed to disclose the payout and approved the matter behind closed doors.
—Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Biblical scholar Bart Ehrman contends that our modern sense of altruism can be traced back to the radical shift in ethical thinking sparked by Jesus' teachings.
—Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026
The case is multi-layered in that Gabehart contends he was misled about his job responsibilities when promoted to competition director.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that while LaBeouf’s attorneys were still aggressively pursuing their position and seeking monetary compensation from Barnett, a partying LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans on assault charges for allegedly punching two bar patrons.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
Roman contends that the flavor haunts her, with its donut-like taste and texture.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
Texas contends Villarreal gained Facebook followers by getting police officers to tell her the identities of a person who killed himself by jumping off a Laredo overpass and of a family involved in a car accident.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
The administration contends relaxed gas mileage requirements will help the auto industry and lower vehicle prices for consumers.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit further contends the county failed to disclose the payout and approved the matter behind closed doors.
—Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contends
Verb
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The South Korean startup competes not only with Nvidia but also with a growing list of other startups from Cerebras to Groq — a company that Nvidia licenses technology from.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The top finisher from Massachusetts was Haverhill native Shea Morris, who competes for the New York Military Academy during the high school season.—
Barry Scanlon,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Stubborn Venus in your visible 10th house argues with intense Pluto in your 7th House of Alliances, spotlighting a tug-of-war between public praise and private promises.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
In her letter to acting TSA Administrator Nguyen McNeill, dated April 3, the Illinois senator argues that TSA's lack of response may actually violate federal law.—
Sarah Ploss,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Another alleges that a Washington state medical board policy on Covid misinformation is a violation of doctors’ free speech.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The teen then steered his minivan slightly to the right, away from Andrade’s vehicle, in an effort to get around, the indictment alleges.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Carolyn’s mother asserts that John was responsible for the crash.—
Jeff Wise,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
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While the Ratanapakdee family asserts he was attacked because of his race, hate crime charges were not filed and the argument was not raised in trial.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Curator argues for replacing—or at least displaying both—while The Boss, beholden to donors and a governing board, insists Old Art stays and New Art must go.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Ulbrich insists he was always convinced that those predictions were wrong.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For example, you're not obligated to buy the car rental company's expensive insurance, regardless of what a car rental salesperson claims.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Bank of America also has agreed to pay certain litigation costs and claims administration costs, and those costs will not come from the fund used to pay class members, records show.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contends. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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