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Showing results for contention. Search instead for kontentan.
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.

He said that “almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to” and that the “two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

In some ways, it was astonishing that Rose was even in contention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Arteta confirmed Eze will miss the game through injury, but Odegaard and Timber are in contention to return, while Madueke's injury is not as bad as first feared and is a doubt.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

But it is copper, now an irreplaceable metal for the economy, that has become the object of global strategic contention.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Less controversial is the contention that there are no clear-cut, easy algorithms that allow us to distinguish science from pseudoscience in all cases.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos