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
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Recent Examples of contend
Despite that order, the Trump administration proceeded with carrying out its deportation flights to El Salvador, contending that the planes had departed before Boasberg’s order was finalized.
—
David Catanese, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
The suit questions whether collective bargaining harms national security, as Trump contends, since the union was allowed to function during wars dating back to Vietnam and in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
—Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
In its Supreme Court briefs, the government contended that the dispute over the terminations was, like all employment disputes, exclusively between the federal government and its employees.
—Christina Gatti, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
More generally, Buffett’s philosophy contends that holding onto a wide variety of stocks for a long time — 10 years, at least — eventually pays off, because the market typically trends upward over time.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
David Catanese, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
The suit questions whether collective bargaining harms national security, as Trump contends, since the union was allowed to function during wars dating back to Vietnam and in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
—Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
In its Supreme Court briefs, the government contended that the dispute over the terminations was, like all employment disputes, exclusively between the federal government and its employees.
—Christina Gatti, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
More generally, Buffett’s philosophy contends that holding onto a wide variety of stocks for a long time — 10 years, at least — eventually pays off, because the market typically trends upward over time.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend
Verb
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Then the Fire, in an independent Central Hockey League, competed at the Fort Worth Convention Center from 1992 to 1999.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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In addition to the teams that advanced to the finals, select competitors from other schools will compete in the individual finals despite their teams not advancing.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The anti-Amendment 4 website hosted by the Agency for Health Care Administration led to court challenges from people who argued the state was improperly using its official power, including one case in front of the Florida Supreme Court.—
Ana Ceballos,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
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Few would argue that the tire wear shown last spring and again on Saturday was within reason.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Mochi insists all of its prescriptions are personalized, including doses that differ from the standard Zepbound strengths.—
Angelica Peebles,
CNBC,
21 Mar. 2025
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The lawsuit accuses Boeing of repeatedly retaliating against Barnett for actions such as objecting to allowing mechanics to self-inspect and approve their own work and insisting on documenting defects and other problems, according to the filing.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, the researchers reasoned that the wasp likely did not intend to kill with the bizarre grasping structure.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2025
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It was created as a nod to consumer fairness: travelers were able to bring back a certain amount of goods from overseas without paying customs on those goods, supporters reasoned, so people who couldn’t travel should have the same privilege.—
Alana Semuels,
TIME,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The 38-year-old took to Instagram to hit back at a comment about his father following Variety's report alleging that Marc Platt flew to New York to speak with Zegler over her politics.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
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However, during their meeting, Saldívar delayed handing over the papers, alleging she had been raped the night before, per USA Today.—
Kelsie Gibson,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies any wrongdoing.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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Combs has pleaded not guilty to five federal counts and is scheduled to go on trial next month.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Müller’s central argument has been that populism should primarily be defined as a movement in which a leader claims to represent a silenced or forgotten—and almost always exclusionary—majority.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2025
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The growth trajectory represents a 2.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025, with online video claiming the lion’s share at $9.4 billion.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Plaintiffs’ counsel offered a brief rationale in their motion to approve the deal, asserting that the CFP is an affiliated entity of the defendants, which include the NCAA and the quintet of athletic conferences formerly known as the Power Five.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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Indeed, numerous Israeli political leaders express sympathy for Palestinians and assert that Israelis can only be secure when Palestinians are free.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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