CONTENTION Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'contention' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contention are conflict , discord , dissension , strife , and variance . While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy. // several points of contention about the new zoning law

Q: When would 'conflict' be a good substitute for 'contention'?

The synonyms conflict and contention are sometimes interchangeable, but conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires. // the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Q: Where would 'discord' be a reasonable alternative to 'contention'?

In some situations, the words discord and contention are roughly equivalent. However, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism. // a political party long racked by discord

Q: When can 'dissension' be used instead of 'contention'?

While in some cases nearly identical to contention , dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions. // religious dissension threatened to split the colony

Q: When is it sensible to use 'strife' instead of 'contention'?

The words strife and contention can be used in similar contexts, but strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved. // during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

Q: When might 'variance' be a better fit than 'contention'?

The meanings of variance and contention largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest. // cultural variances that work against a national identity

contention

noun

kən-ˈten(t)-shən

Definition of contention

as in argument

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 rivalry

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun contention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of contention are conflict, discord, dissension, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When would conflict be a good substitute for contention?

The synonyms conflict and contention are sometimes interchangeable, but conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Where would discord be a reasonable alternative to contention?

In some situations, the words discord and contention are roughly equivalent. However, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When can dissension be used instead of contention?

While in some cases nearly identical to contention, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When is it sensible to use strife instead of contention?

The words strife and contention can be used in similar contexts, but strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When might variance be a better fit than contention?

The meanings of variance and contention largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

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 contention 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 That contention was extraordinary, Hatfield later told reporters. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 The results lend credence to the JAAC’s contention that polling alone cannot resolve who exercises meaningful political authority in Kashmir. — Aqil Shah, Time, 17 Aug. 2026 As demonstrated below, Mamdani’s contention is reduced to a claim that Israel committed genocide by resisting a terrorist group that deliberately uses its own civilians as human shields. — Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contention

Noun

According to Ian Weinstein, a defense lawyer and professor at Fordham School of Law, the specific charges at issue will determine the success of a double jeopardy argument.

— Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
In January, prosecutors filed a response opposing the motion, Kestou filed a brief in support of it, and the court heard arguments from both parties, court documents said.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of argument

Noun

The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry, which originated in 1892, has waned a bit in recent years as the Milwaukee Brewers have taken control of the National League Central.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Noun

The journal retracted the study in 2010 and the author, who lost his medical license because of his assertion, has never been able to replicate his findings.

— Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Across the globe, anti-gender campaigning is frequently tied to right-wing nationalism, white supremacy, and assertions of patriarchal power.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of assertion

Noun

Contrast that with eventual EFL champions Coventry City (48 in 49 in all competitions) and Championship runners-up Ipswich Town (50 in 49).

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Soaring temperatures are forcing drastic measures in Europe, where successive heatwaves are straining an economy already under pressure from US tariffs, Chinese competition and higher energy prices because of the Iran war.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

This technology's primary business value lies in rapid market hypothesis validation at launch.

— Ihor Hamal, Forbes.com, 18 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 hypothesis

Noun

Alex Wagner, who served as assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs during the Biden administration, argued recruiting has remained remarkably insulated from those political battles.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
The fight preceded the Zeus main event, which was a battle between stars from the network’s Baddies series, Tehneski and Big Lex.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

Throughout the years, Panettiere spoke openly about her struggles with addiction.

— Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Panettiere has long been candid about her struggles navigating child stardom and fame, often opening up about her experiences with severe postpartum depression (PPD), addiction, and anxiety.

— Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of struggle

Noun

Oman, a historic US ally, has attempted to act as a mediator between the US and Iran both before and during the conflict, notably hosting nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington before the war broke out in February.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
That definition appears designed to keep participating firms focused on criminal enterprises and out of interstate conflicts.

— Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of conflict

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contenting

contention

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“Contention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contention. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of contention

noun

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