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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contention
The night often sets the tone for the season, offering a glimpse of who will emerge as early frontrunners—both in fashion and in awards contention.
—
Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026
On Sunday, the Steelers had a chance to clinch the division title and eliminate the Ravens from playoff contention with a win over the 3-12 Browns.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
However, the Trojans would claw their way back into contention late.
—Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 4 Jan. 2026
Coincidentally and unfortunately for the Chiefs, they were eliminated from playoff contention.
—David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contention
Noun
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Kathleen Hartnett of Cooley LLP, one of the groups that filed the lawsuit, will present arguments on behalf of Hecox, the American Civil Liberties Union told the Statesman.—
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The two attorneys made a slew of arguments to defend their position, including that the pair of lawmakers did not have legal standing to bring a suit related to their official duties in the first place.—
Noun
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Small and middle powers, particularly those from the Global South, are stepping into this breach and providing an essential public good that great powers, bound by their own rivalries, increasingly cannot.—
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And there is a friendly rivalry there.—
Noun
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Scharf repeated his past assertions that the planning commission doesn't usually have jurisdiction over site work and demolition on any project, including those at the White House.—
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Also, Kaishian said, the video and report don’t back up earlier assertions by police that Emile pointed the gun at a rival, or at the cops.—
Noun
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That simple change would introduce real competition, allowing merchants to choose lower-cost options and forcing the dominant players to compete on price and service--just like any other market.—
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Two years ago at the Winter X Games, Kim became the first woman to pull off a 1260-degree spin in competition.—
Noun
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The story of the Platonic representation hypothesis paper began in early 2023, a turbulent time for AI researchers.—
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Furthermore, Jie said that laboratory simulations support the hypothesis that the majority of the surface regolith inside Shackleton Crater is conducive to the stable preservation of water ice.—
Noun
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With a high-stakes battle for the 2026 midterms looming, the Evergreen State appears poised to join the trend of states using congressional redistricting for partisan advantage.—
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Rattler won the quarterback battle in training camp over Shough, but after going 1-7, Moore made the switch to his rookie.—
Noun
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His struggles are hurting the Broncos in the biggest moments, too.—
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After all, there are signs that the economy is improving (unemployment and inflation are declining), but after the economic struggles of recent years, and with household debt still high, an additional financing source won't hurt, either.—
Noun
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Authorities said the display was likely the result of a conflict between criminal groups operating in the area.—
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Calvo said the city’s contract with consulting firm NCGA LLC raises potential conflict-of-interest concerns.—
Cite this Entry
“Contention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contention. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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