contention

noun

kən-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce contention (audio)
Definition of contentionnext
1
as in argument
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

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2
as in rivalry
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun contention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contention are conflict, discord, dissension, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When would conflict be a good substitute for contention?

The synonyms conflict and contention are sometimes interchangeable, but conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Where would discord be a reasonable alternative to contention?

In some situations, the words discord and contention are roughly equivalent. However, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When can dissension be used instead of contention?

While in some cases nearly identical to contention, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When is it sensible to use strife instead of contention?

The words strife and contention can be used in similar contexts, but strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When might variance be a better fit than contention?

The meanings of variance and contention largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

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 contention This slots it into contention with Valve’s $400 to $649 Steam Deck, another Playstation-in-a-pocket of the era. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 Vibe check: Kraken fans are loud and excited, even when cheering for a team already eliminated from playoff contention. —Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025 Despite the length of this contract and the no-move clause attached, Pittsburgh being so far out of contention began the speculations that Crosby may take the opportunity to join a contender. —Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 The team is banking on the recovery of ace Brandon Woodruff from shoulder surgery and Christian Yelich from back surgery to bring them back into contention. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contention
  1. argument
  2. rivalry
  3. assertion
  4. competition
  5. hypothesis
  6. battle
  7. struggle
  8. conflict
Noun
  • Gregory, who became known as Gregory the Great, had reasons to advance such an argument.
    — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Combs’ defense team made arguments for delaying the trial up to two months, but the judge was not swayed.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of argument
Noun
  • What has endured and evolved, however, is a fierce rivalry in an event that is now huge business, watched by up to 250,000 in person, millions more on television (the races are being screened live on BBC One) and sponsored by French luxury brand Chanel, no less.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • While known for his exceptional mic skills, Punk also consistently delivered in-ring performances, with his rivalry against John Cena and Rey Mysterio producing some of his most iconic bouts.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of rivalry
Noun
  • This assertion is now bearing out, to some degree, much to the anti-vaccine community's chagrin.
    — David Oliver, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • In conversation, de Moraes often veers between jokes and brusque legal assertions.
    — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of assertion
Noun
  • The major driver for the decline in coal use is the economic competition with cheaper and cleaner fuels, such as natural gas and renewables, Ryna Cui, research director for the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland, told ABC News.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That also plays out of competition in Cannes Premiere.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of competition
Noun
  • Part of our hypothesis is that entrepreneurs in adaptation may not even think of themselves as having an adaptation focus.
    — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • However, additional analyses of data from the Women’s Health Initiative along with results from further studies pointed researchers to a theory called the timing hypothesis, which suggests that the risks and benefits of hormone therapy depend on when treatment begins.
    — Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of hypothesis
Noun
  • Rather, Awuah-Darko wants his story to reach people, whether through Instagram or this article, who feel alone in their battles, even if that comes with backlash.
    — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The White Sox had to settle for taking two of three in the series after falling in the battle against Crochet, who allowed one run on one hit with 11 strikeouts and one walk in 7 1/3 innings.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of battle
Noun
  • Young’s struggles against the Heat continued early in Friday’s contest, scoring 14 points while shooting just 3 of 14 from the field and 1 of 5 on threes through the first three quarters.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Keith and Mark Newhouse of Newhouse Creative Group understand these struggles firsthand.
    — Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of struggle
Noun
  • The pope's Easter message included a call for an end to conflicts in the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
    — Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • There are volunteer opportunities, a teen club, and during the current conflict, the Hesed has become a hub for delivering tons of humanitarian aid, trauma care, and kinship.
    — Maria Zimina, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of conflict

Browse Nearby Words

contenting
contention
contentions
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Cite this Entry

“Contention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contention. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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