contends

[kuhn-tendz] / kənˈtɛndz /

VERB

compete, fight

Synonyms

STRONGEST

argue confront cope dispute go after grapple meet oppose push for resist vie

STRONG

battle clash contest controvert emulate encounter face jostle litigate oppugn push rival skirmish stand strive struggle tug withstand

WEAK

give all one's got give one's all go for go for broke go for it go for jugular have at jockey for position knock oneself out lock horns make play for mix it up with scramble for shoot at shoot for tangle with

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agree comply go along

STRONG

hide make peace retreat surrender yield

WEAK

abandon cede desert give in give up leave

VERB

argue

Synonyms

STRONGEST

allege assert charge claim defend dispute insist maintain say tell urge

STRONG

affirm aver avow blast cross debate dictate enjoin hold justify mix prescribe report rip vindicate warrant zap

WEAK

come at fly in face of gang up on go at have at have bone to pick jump on lace into lay into let have it light into lock horns with mix it up put up argument set to sock it to one stick it to take on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deny desert forget question

STRONG

divide separate unmix

WEAK

abandon cede give in give up leave retreat surrender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The lawsuit filed by the Public Integrity Project contends that UFC Freedom 250 violates federal regulations that prohibit sporting events on federal park lands.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

His primary attorney Steve Haney contends that the fire was instead set off by people using fireworks, and that his client was a "Good Samaritan" who called 911 a total of 17 times.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The wealth effect is the behavioral economic theory that contends people spend more as the value of their assets increase.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

He contends that it definitely will not be on the US market this year.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Astrology contends that which constellation the planets are in at the moment of your birth profoundly influences your future.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan