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Definitions

contention

[kuhn-ten-shuhn] / kənˈtɛn ʃən /
NOUN
competition
Synonyms
STRONGEST
argument conflict controversy dispute rivalry struggle
STRONG
altercation battle beef belligerency combat contest difference discord dissension dissent dissidence disunity enmity fight flak hassle hostility quarrel run-in scene scrap set-to squabble static strife variance war wrangle wrangling
WEAK
bone of contention bone to pick disaccord feuding
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accord agreement harmony peace
STRONG
approval authorization compliment concurrence friendship kindness praise ratification truce
WEAK
affection consideration friendliness good will sympathy
NOUN
argument for idea
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allegation assertion belief claim discussion explanation hypothesis idea opinion plea position thesis
STRONG
advancement affirmation asseveration avowal charge contestation declaration demurrer deposition ground hurrah predication profession rumpus stand view
WEAK
maintaining
Antonyms
STRONGEST
proof reality truth
STRONG
denial retreat
WEAK
affection consideration friendliness friendship good will kindness sympathy

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 Jets were so obviously out of contention that they traded away some of their best players midway through the year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The most trivial point of contention in Brooke and Andrew Reese’s divorce was a Walgreens rewards account.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

City's Haaland and Antoine Semenyo will undoubtedly be in contention for the end-of-the-season awards while past title-winners have boasted the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero and Didier Droga.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

LeBron James leads the Lakers to a 101-73 victory over the Phoenix Suns to keep them in contention for the No. 3 playoff seed in the Western Conference.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

The British boat, once it got going, also went out hard, charging furiously back up into contention.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

Vocabulary lists containing contention

"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from all 4 Acts

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from Act 3

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Monster

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!