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
  • But that argument is predicated on the economy being good.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • No argument, but the Toronto Bridesmaids — er, Blue Jays — didn’t have much of a choice with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The loss of Guerrero — a native Canadian, homegrown talent and franchise pillar — would have devastated the Jays.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Ricky Steamboat From Clash Of The Champions 6 The intense rivalry between Ricky Steamboat and Flair produced some of the most celebrated matches in professional wrestling history.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • But in China, it is seen as a prime battleground in the U.S.-China rivalry.
    — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of rivalry
Noun
  • The Big Story Congress pushes back as Trump snubs Signal chat The White House’s assertion that the case surrounding national security officials’ use of Signal is closed is getting pushback in Congress, even among some Republicans who say their own probes will press on.
    — Julia Shapero, The Hill, 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
  • That also plays out of competition in Cannes Premiere.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Another directorial debut, the French drama Partir un Jour from first-timer Amélie Bonnin, will open this year’s festival, screening out of competition.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 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
  • And maybe the downfall is that Lex has decided what's right between those two and which should win out, whereas Superman and Lois are in a constant battle about what is right, so they each get checked by the other.
    — Mike Miller, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Michael Mann, Francis Ford Coppola, Nicolas Cage Pay Tribute to Actor By the time the sequel was filmed and finally came out — there were COVID delays as Tom Cruise (rightly) insisted on a theatrical release — Kilmer was quite deep into his battle with throat cancer.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of battle
Noun
  • Not having to make payments might be a relief to those who are experiencing any financial struggles.
    — Annie Nova, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Her vehicle was found at her apartment, along with a bent car key, her high heels and signs of a struggle.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of struggle
Noun
  • Faucette alleged that the conflict began in the driveway of Bryant's Apex home around 10 p.m. on Friday after Brown came to pick his child up without a proper car seat, reported CBS17 and WRAL.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Houthis claim to have destroyed 17 Reaper drones since the Red Sea conflict began, worth about $30 million each.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 8 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of contention for Spanish Speakers

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