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 The Bears going into the draft will look like a playoff contention team without the prior season wins. —Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 That number puts them in close contention with B.B. King, Ray Charles and some of the other artists who began performing at the venue more than four decades ago. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 If the current roster core doesn’t rise to contention, owner Steve Ross could easily decide the franchise needs to part ways from general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel in 2026, in what could be a whole new rebuild. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025 That contention focuses heavily on his cognitive decline. —Jim Saunders, Orlando Sentinel, 7 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
  • Each of defendants' arguments against this narrow injunction is meritless.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Putin reiterated at several times during his Thursday news conference the Kremlin’s argument that a temporary 30-day ceasefire would benefit Ukraine, potentially allowing the country to regroup and have more weapons delivered.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are off the injury report for this game, giving themselves the green light for this rivalry game.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Even today, gangsta and drill rappers make headlines right here in Chicago when their music explodes into rivalries and retaliatory murders.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of rivalry
Noun
  • Yates doubled down on this assertion to The Charlotte Observer on Thursday, about 24 hours after NASCAR filed a counterclaim to the lawsuit involving the sanctioning body and 23XI and FRM.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Trump’s address featured a slew of false claims, such as the assertion that U.S. citizens that are hundreds of years old are receiving Social Security checks.
    — Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of assertion
Noun
  • With the reduction of public offerings, the youth sports programming gap was filled by private clubs and leagues, which placed more emphasis on athleticism, competition and sometimes elite-style training.
    — Mark Rerick, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Now 6-0 with the UFC, Pimblett looks to take a step up in competition against Chandler.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of competition
Noun
  • The causes of both events had been long debated, however one hypothesis has linked them to depletions in the Earth's protective ozone layer, such as might be caused by a supernova going off in local space.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The leading explanation for all of these mysteries is known as the giant impact hypothesis.
    — Paul Sutter, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of hypothesis
Noun
  • After routing 5-seed Villanova 82-54 in the semifinals on Sunday, the Huskies advance to face No. 23 Creighton for a battle between the top two seeds in the conference title game.
    — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Just last month at the NFL Scouting Combine, GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales stressed the importance of battle in the trenches.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of battle
Noun
  • Each plate tells a story, capturing the struggles and triumphs of Black women in policing and justice who have broken barriers in their careers.
    — Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
  • This not only fosters appreciation for the cuisine but also sparks curiosity about the traditions, struggles and resilience of the people behind it.
    — Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of struggle
Noun
  • Their conflict reached its end at AEW's Revolution event in March 2025, where Strickland ultimately defeated Ricochet.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • These trade conflicts have triggered worries about stagflation, a combination of stagnant growth and elevated inflation.
    — Axios, Axios, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of conflict

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Cite this Entry

“Contention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contention. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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