CONTENTION Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'contention' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contention are conflict , discord , dissension , strife , and variance . While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy. // several points of contention about the new zoning law

Q: When would 'conflict' be a good substitute for 'contention'?

The synonyms conflict and contention are sometimes interchangeable, but conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires. // the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Q: Where would 'discord' be a reasonable alternative to 'contention'?

In some situations, the words discord and contention are roughly equivalent. However, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism. // a political party long racked by discord

Q: When can 'dissension' be used instead of 'contention'?

While in some cases nearly identical to contention , dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions. // religious dissension threatened to split the colony

Q: When is it sensible to use 'strife' instead of 'contention'?

The words strife and contention can be used in similar contexts, but strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved. // during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

Q: When might 'variance' be a better fit than 'contention'?

The meanings of variance and contention largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest. // cultural variances that work against a national identity

contention

noun

kən-ˈten(t)-shən

Definition of contention next

as in argument

an idea or opinion that is put forth in a discussion or debate my contention is that today's lower batting averages are the result of better pitching

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in rivalry

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another several actresses seem to be in heated contention for the title of "worst dressed"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun contention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contention are conflict, discord, dissension, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When would conflict be a good substitute for contention?

The synonyms conflict and contention are sometimes interchangeable, but conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Where would discord be a reasonable alternative to contention?

In some situations, the words discord and contention are roughly equivalent. However, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When can dissension be used instead of contention?

While in some cases nearly identical to contention, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When is it sensible to use strife instead of contention?

The words strife and contention can be used in similar contexts, but strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When might variance be a better fit than contention?

The meanings of variance and contention largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of contention An administration official would make a claim about what happened, and later evidence would find these contentions to be misleading. —

Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026 Steady, consistent and rarely out of contention, Bell is poised to capitalize. —

Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026 The main event promises fireworks as the former featherweight champion looks to reassert his dominance, while Lopes aims to make a statement that could catapult him into title contention. —

Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026 The prosecution team has forcefully rebutted that contention. —

Adam Reiss, NBC news, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contention

Noun

Garnett, a Biden appointee and former Manhattan federal prosecutor, ruled after hearing oral arguments earlier this month.

— MICHAEL R. SISAK, Arkansas Online, 31 Jan. 2026
The paper also raised a common argument against geoengineering—that pursuing these ideas is a dangerous distraction from decarbonization, the best solution to climate change.

— Christian Elliott, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026

Definition of argument

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contenting

contention

contentions

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“Contention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contention. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of contention

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