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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Photo of the day: The relief of sticking the landing Team USA star Jordan Chiles and the UCLA Bruins will compete for an NCAA title Saturday after advancing out of their semifinal session at the 2025 gymnastics championships in Fort Worth, Texas.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
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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At the start of proceedings, prosecutors presented their case by arguing Yoon lacked the legal grounds to declare martial law and accused him of trying to paralyse state institutions such as parliament.—
Joyce Lee,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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All of which leaves Francis, the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics, insisting on a welcoming and internationalist worldview that has gone out of style.—
Jason Horowitz,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2025
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Sheinbaum remained vague on details, but insisted that her administration would seek to work with Trump.—
Stephania Taladrid,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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That model doesn't include reasoning capabilities, though.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
17 Apr. 2025
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Officials reasoned that the property’s existing zoning, neighborhood commercial — allowing restaurants, banks, barber shops and similar businesses — better served the community.—
Jaime Moore-Carrillo,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The lawsuit, which was filed in a Massachusetts federal court, alleges the government violated Harvard's First Amendment right to free speech by freezing the $2.2 billion in funds and threatening additional cuts.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union asked the Supreme Court on Monday to clarify what kind of legal notice their clients, alleged Tren de Aragua members, should receive before they are deported under the Alien Enemies Act.—
Ashley Oliver,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Apr. 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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Lütke asserts that failing to adopt AI now will lead to stagnation and decline, emphasizing that employees must keep climbing — or risk sliding backward.—
Douglas B. Laney,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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