CONTENTIONS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

contentions

noun

plural of contention

as in arguments

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

Relevance

as in rivalries

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

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 contentions Many healthcare policy analysts disagree with these contentions about fraud, noting partisan politics have now become part of the dissemination of government reports. — Robert Applebaum, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026 Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, whose tenure brought team success and three World Series contentions, now faces significant scrutiny over his business practices. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 At the time, Sackler offered no response to these contentions. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026 The main contentions were the state not fully funding public schools according to the state’s funding formula and an additional $10 million to support the Missouri Scholars Program, which can go toward students in private schools. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026 The passing of time is the only thing that will reveal the veracity of their contentions and what some of the underlying numbers suggest regarding the quality of their at-bats not being reflected in their production. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 An administration official would make a claim about what happened, and later evidence would find these contentions to be misleading. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentions

Noun

In May 2026, oral arguments were held before the Fouth Circuit Court of Appeals.

— Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
Opening arguments started last week in the landmark trial against Meta that’s being co-led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the AGs from Colorado, New Jersey and Kentucky.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of arguments

Noun

The policy updates come amid the slew of ongoing legal battles by players who were originally part of the 2022 high school recruiting class seeking a fifth year of collegiate eligibility.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Then came battles with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.

— Sam Gringlas, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of battles

Noun

Until then, readers should take these issues as interesting hypotheses and case discussions.

— Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
The models have to suss them out by taking actions in the game, seeing what happens, forming hypotheses, and then taking more actions to test those theories.

— Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of hypotheses

Noun

Birth of daughter and personal struggles Meanwhile, following a lull in her career in the late 1990s, Smith returned to the spotlight in 2000.

— Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 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

Definition of struggles

Noun

The players air their grievances, which are essentially a pile of petty conflicts and resentments that, as Alice warned, can be traced back to the team fracturing into cliques.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Mia Wasikowska perfectly embodies the role of Agata, a writer returning to her home continent, seeking to understand and reconnect with the wounds of the recent past, and with the ways in which unresolved conflicts continue to echo in the present.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of conflicts

Noun

Indonesia has pledged to keep subsidized fuel prices unchanged through 2026, which may strain the budget if oil prices rise again due to supply disruptions or a worsening of military confrontations.

— Celestine Iyer, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Critical milestones in this transitional phase of the movement were the deadly confrontations between white Christian extremists and federal agents at Ruby Ridge, Idaho (1992), and Waco, Texas (1993).

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of confrontations

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contention

contentions

contentious

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“Contentions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentions. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contentions

noun

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