CONTENDS Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

contends

verb

present tense third-person singular of contend

as in competes

to engage in a contest two traditional rivals contending for the championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in argues

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

as in alleges

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 contends Summary This article contends that inflation management is not, and never has been, the Federal Reserve's core responsibility. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The company contends its plan serves the town, the residential marketplace and the interest of historic preservation. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026 To support these demands, Jeanie Buss contends the California Probate Code authorizes a trustee to seek instructions from a court to resolve internal disagreements about a trust. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, their sister Jeanie contends that her siblings do not have the legal authority to give up ownership and is opposing the sale, which would result in Jeanie Buss losing her position as governor of the Lakers. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The announcement also did not specify which versions of Style3D Studio are covered by Linctex’s admission or whether CLO contends that the software’s current iteration contains infringing features. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026 This argument contends that switching terminology would constitute a colossal challenge. — Jo MacKiewicz, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 Raman contends that Bass’ signature program Inside Safe, which dismantles encampments and moves people living there into motels, hotels and interim housing, is overly expensive and unsustainable. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contends

Verb

The 2026 Honda Pilot competes against rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Kia Telluride.

— Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Their case counts wide-release theatrical movies and the basic cable bundle, and leaves out streaming, YouTube, sports rights, and everything else that now competes for the same hours of your evening.

— Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of competes

Verb

Shelley alleges her superior, Woodie Dixon, Golden State’s chief legal officer, was not present for her termination meeting, violating team policy.

— Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The lawsuit alleges four families with addresses in Mansfield, Georgia have had irreparable damage to their property and quality of life throughout the construction and operation of the Meta data center.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of alleges

Verb

In addition to hurting consumers, Bird asserts that the uncertainty, along with Paramount’s $7 million ticking fee, will pull down an industry that’s just starting to get back on its feet.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Civilizationism asserts that the United States ought to interfere in Europe’s affairs.

— Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of asserts

Verb

Israel insists this is allowed under the latest ceasefire agreement.

— Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
But that sympathy can’t quite make up for the galling fact of Nelson’s sons, now teenagers stuck in limbo as a father figure stubbornly insists on courting further ruin.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of insists

Verb

The Grammy winner claims Keren Urinov, who worked on her 2025 tour, demanded a 15-year employment contract.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
The company claims the approach could allow Galileo X to handle precise indoor transport, long-range off-road travel, and complex terrain using a unified robotic architecture and control system.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026