contends

[kuhn-tendz] / kənˈtɛndz /

Jump To:

compete, fight v.
argue v.

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.

See Examples For:

contends

He contends that when hotels circulate synthetic fragrances through scent dispersion machines, they may be spreading toxic chemicals, potentially causing respiratory problems, headaches, skin irritation and gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and cognitive problems among vulnerable guests.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

Retail investors, too, are poised to increase their buying of stocks and options after pulling in their horns during September, he contends.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026

Hammer was dropped by his agency and lost acting jobs, and he now contends he had no idea “Citizen Vigilante” would be so “disgusting.”

From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2026

Carney has worked to steer Canada toward a deeper, more formal, alliance with the EU as he contends with pressure from Trump.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

On the other hand, Dr. Wayland Hayes of the United States Public Health Service contends that in every individual a point of equilibrium is reached, and that DDT in excess of this amount is excreted.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson