Synonyms for contention
kənˈtɛn ʃəncon·tention

WiktionaryRate these synonyms:2.0 / 1 vote

1. contentionnoun

   Synonyms:
   wrangling

2. contentionnoun

   struggle, contest, strife, argument, debate

   Synonyms:
   wrangling

3. contentionnoun

   A point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion of strife; a position taken or contended for.

   It is my contention that state lotteries are taxes on stupid people.

   Synonyms:
   wrangling

4. contentionnoun

   Competition by parts of a system or its users for a limited resource.

   Synonyms:
   wrangling

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. contention

   A feud is enmity between families, clans, or parties, with acts of hostility mutually retaliated and avenged; feud is rarely used of individuals, never of nations. While all the other words of the group may refer to that which is transient, a feud is long-enduring, and often hereditary. Dissension is used of a number of persons, of a party or other organization. Bitterness is in feeling only; enmity and hostility involve will and purpose to oppose or injure. A quarrel is in word or act, or both, and is commonly slight and transient, as we speak of childish quarrels; contention and strife may be in word or deed; contest ordinarily involves some form of action. Contest is often used in a good sense, contention and strife very rarely so. Controversy is commonly in words; strife extends from verbal controversy to the contests of armies. Affray, brawl, and broil, like quarrel, are words of inferior dignity. An affray or broil may arise at a street corner; the affray always involves physical force; the brawl or broil may be confined to violent language.

   Synonyms:
   affray, animosity, bitterness, brawl, broil, contest, controversy, dispute, dissension, enmity, feud, fray, hostility, quarrel, strife

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. contentionnoun

   a point asserted as part of an argument

   Synonyms:
   contestation, arguing, disceptation, competition, disputation, rivalry, argument, tilt, controversy

2. controversy, contention, contestation, disputation, disceptation, tilt, argument, arguingnoun

   a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement

   "they were involved in a violent argument"

   Synonyms:
   debate, disceptation, lean, list, rivalry, careen, inclination, sway, leaning, line, rock, argument, tilt, joust, controversy, competition, disputation, literary argument, contestation, line of reasoning, arguing, statement, argumentation, logical argument, public debate, parameter

3. competition, contention, rivalrynoun

   the act of competing as for profit or a prize

   "the teams were in fierce contention for first place"

   Synonyms:
   rival, contestation, competitor, disceptation, competition, disputation, contender, rivalry, argument, arguing, challenger, contest, tilt, controversy

Matched Categories

1. • Assertion
   • Group Action

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. contentionnoun

   Synonyms:
   strife, discord, dissension, wrangling, wrangle, quarrel, squabble, feud, rupture, falling out

2. contentionnoun

   Synonyms:
   dispute, debate, bickering, altercation, controversy, logomachy, high words, war of words, strife of words

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. contentionnoun

   Synonyms:
   controversy, dissension, altercation, quarrel, dispute

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "contention":

   discord, assertion, disharmony, containment, argument, affirmation, allegation, claim, disagreement, dispute, thesis, controversy

How to pronounce contention?

How to say contention in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use contention in a sentence?

1. Caeleb Dressel:

   I’ve never been a fan of favorites, it’s going to be a really fun race. Really looking forward to it. I mean, there’s quite honestly eight guys in contention, so it’s going to be exciting for everyone to watch. You guys (in the media) should be jealous I get to take part in it.

2. Inspector General -LRB- OIG -RRB-:

   It asserted that it had taken significant steps to improve the health and welfare of State Department explosive detection canines provided to Jordan and, moreover, stated that the program had to continue, regardless of these health and welfare concerns, due to ongoing national security issues in the region, however, the death of two canines from non-natural causes — namely, hyperthermia and poisoning — since June 2019 raises serious questions about the Department's contention that it has taken adequate steps to protect their health and safety.

3. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul:

   If you're designated as someone who is not in contention, that is very disruptive to a campaign that is about three weeks out.

4. Rhein Gibson:

   To be able to do that on a Friday to make the cut and get back in contention, it's probably better than a 55.

5. The American:

   It’s unusual for me to finish 23rd but things like this happen from time to time and I knew it would be hard for me to stay in contention after such a mistake.