1
2
as in to argue
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 to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully
contended that his opponent was wrong about practically everything
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 contend
In his role as star, writer and executive producer, Noah Wyle will contend in all three areas.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Supporters contend the act is meant to encourage development of affordable housing, but critics insist that’s misleading.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025
Another theory contends that different features in nature, such as the pattern of leaf shadows moving on the forest floor under the sunlight, provide stimuli that is interesting but not overly demanding for humans.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Trump, Zelenskyy meet privately ahead of pope's funeral At the time, Zelenskyy contended the Russian president needed stronger pushback from Ukraine's allies.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Supporters contend the act is meant to encourage development of affordable housing, but critics insist that’s misleading.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025
Another theory contends that different features in nature, such as the pattern of leaf shadows moving on the forest floor under the sunlight, provide stimuli that is interesting but not overly demanding for humans.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Trump, Zelenskyy meet privately ahead of pope's funeral At the time, Zelenskyy contended the Russian president needed stronger pushback from Ukraine's allies.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
-
On March 8, 1990, when Lyle was arrested in connection with their parents' murders, Erik was competing in a tennis tournament in Israel.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
-
Lionel Messi has competed in four Copa Americas in the same timeframe, the only tournament Conmebol contests outside its admittedly draining World Cup qualifying format.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
His attorneys are expected to renew their motion to terminate the deportation proceedings on Thursday, arguing the government has engaged in egregious misconduct.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
-
In a recent interview with The Bee, Weber criticized new efforts — including from members of her own party — to speed up California’s vote count, arguing elections officials already prioritize security and voter access.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Texas Central insists it was not reliant on the funding and is continuing with its plans.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
-
The administration can also insist that other countries pay prices commensurate with the value of new medicines as a condition of striking trade agreements with the United States.—
Sally Pipes,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
Hyland reasoned that the khipu’s last few cords probably were a signature.—
Sam Kean,
The Atlantic,
26 May 2025
-
The vast majority of fully orange cats are male, which led scientists to reason decades ago that the genetic code for orange color is carried on the X chromosome.—
Amanda Schupak,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
The girl’s family alleged the incident was a hate crime.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2025
-
The gun malfunctioned when Huff pulled the trigger, Assistant District Attorney Rob Moran alleged in court on Tuesday, ultimately saving O'Donnell's life.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
She was charged with — and later pleaded guilty to — making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer and engaging in mail fraud and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.—
Jessica Sager,
People.com,
23 May 2025
-
Reubens pleaded no contest, to avoid the publicity of a trial, but the damage was done.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
But unscrupulous preparers convince taxpayers to claim the credit to receive a large refund.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
The irony, the heartbreak, is that Sarah and Yaron devoted themselves to preventing the very kind of violence that claimed their lives.—
Margaux Chetrit,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
The Cubs assert the team holds an undisputed property right to Cubs games and there is no public right to watch a Cubs game in person or by broadcast.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
27 May 2025
-
The plaintiffs also assert that Mr. Trump did not have the authority to stop federal funding for NPR and PBS, and his order should be invalidated as unconstitutional.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share