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
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 contentions
However, the reality is that peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US and Europe are clearly stalled, if at worse dead with many contentions from both sides surrounding security concerns and, importantly, trade sanctions.
—
Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentions
Noun
-
Prosecutors and defense attorneys are scheduled to make their closing arguments on Wednesday, court records show.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Steer clear of controversial subjects to avoid arguments.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
During his over five-decade career, Lawler was part of many iconic rivalries against the likes of Bret Hart, Kerry Von Erich, Terry Funk, Andy Kaufman, and much more.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
-
No doubt, rivalries and disagreements still exist.—
David Mednicoff,
The Conversation,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Other assertions about Kirk’s legacy have been more divisive.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Watch the monologue Lopez said vague assertions about violence are more troubling because the administration isn't offering evidence of what specific organizations may have broked which actual laws.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The musical battles in K-Popped did require them to compete against each other.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Years of lobbying and court battles by the LGBTQ community have achieved a few successes over the past decade.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This flexible system allows performers to switch between hypotheses of how dinosaurs might have sounded.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Investigators initially had 12 hypotheses about what caused the deadly collapse, per The Miami Herald.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Girls in particular report drops in confidence, disrupted sleep, and heavier struggles with mental health.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Production shutdowns, layoffs BrightDrop's struggles come less than a year after GM folded the commercial vans into its Chevrolet brand in a bid to boost its performance as GM tries to gain ground against competitors, including Ford and Rivian, in the electric van space.—
Jackie Charniga,
Freep.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
When Williams’ case was sent to DOAH, Citron filed a motion requesting, among other things, that DOAH Judge Todd Resavage disclose any potential conflicts.—
Mario Ariza,
ProPublica,
15 Sep. 2025
-
On closer inspection, however, activist fund principals often face irreconcilable conflicts.—
Kai Liekefett,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some say the confrontations are not isolated, but part of a wider cycle of fear and resistance that is expected to intensify as operations expand.—
Sydney Barragan,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
-
That event was still beset by confrontations, with someone jumping on a police officer, protesters smashing glass panes in the doors of the venue and members of the Proud Boys – a far-right group – clashing with demonstrators, according to local media reports.—
Curt Devine,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contentions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentions. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share