1
as in arguments
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
2
as in rivalries
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contentions
At the time, Sackler offered no response to these contentions.
—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
12 June 2026
Nowhere is this reconciliation more evident than in the enduring contentions surrounding France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia, also known as Kanak by its native community.
—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
The main contentions were the state not fully funding public schools according to the state’s funding formula and an additional $10 million to support the Missouri Scholars Program, which can go toward students in private schools.
—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
The passing of time is the only thing that will reveal the veracity of their contentions and what some of the underlying numbers suggest regarding the quality of their at-bats not being reflected in their production.
—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
12 June 2026
Nowhere is this reconciliation more evident than in the enduring contentions surrounding France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia, also known as Kanak by its native community.
—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
The main contentions were the state not fully funding public schools according to the state’s funding formula and an additional $10 million to support the Missouri Scholars Program, which can go toward students in private schools.
—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
The passing of time is the only thing that will reveal the veracity of their contentions and what some of the underlying numbers suggest regarding the quality of their at-bats not being reflected in their production.
—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentions
Noun
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Trump had campaigned on restricting birthright citizenship, arguing that the citizenship clause had been misinterpreted, and attended the April 2026 oral arguments in a first for a sitting president.
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Now, after oral arguments in January, the laws will be protected.
Noun
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At a time when the news cycle seems to serve up nothing but conflict, crisis and woe, the World Cup offers shelter, a truly international event in which conflict is defined by long-term sports rivalries and questionable referee decisions.
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The Golden State Warriors are reportedly looking to pair James with Stephen Curry, which would turn one of the NBA's greatest rivalries into two of the game's greatest stars fighting for their fifth title together.
Noun
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Beginning with its preliminary statement, the suit makes presumptuous assertions about what every Florida parent prioritizes for their children, and the audacity is striking.
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Amid celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary, assertions of the country’s religious, and specifically Christian, character have grown louder in political discourse.
Noun
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On Friday, Putin visited the Russian military headquarters directing the action in Ukraine to receive a report on the capture of the city of Kostyantynivka after weeks of intense street battles.
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Legal battles can discourage farmers Mora said the years-long litigation has left him feeling frustrated and defenseless.
Noun
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Science is designed to estimate risk, test hypotheses, identify patterns, and reduce the likelihood of false causal inference.
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Scientists have two hypotheses for the formation of supermassive black hole seeds.
Noun
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And then there’s the guy that had a lot of success, and through injuries or struggles, needs to change some things and adjust some things.
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The actress spent a few years away from Hollywood, working at a treatment center after her own struggles with substance abuse.
Noun
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Being able to work through conflicts can often result in an even stronger bond.
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China has helped cushion the global oil shock, seen its clean energy tech exports surge and framed the war in Iran as another example in which Chinese leadership could supersede the US in ending global conflicts.
Noun
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Drama unfolds as tears are shed, confrontations occur and someone is asked to leave.
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Ever delves into catastrophic confrontations over fences, noise, and general bad behavior.
Cite this Entry
“Contentions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentions. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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