contention

[kuhn-ten-shuhn]

noun

1. a struggling together in opposition; strife.

   Synonyms: combat, conflict

2. a striving in rivalry; competition; contest.

3. strife in debate; dispute; controversy.

   Synonyms: altercation, debate, dissension, disagreement
   Antonyms: agreement

4. a point contended for or affirmed in controversy.

contention

/ kənˈtɛnʃən /

noun

1. a struggling between opponents; competition

2. dispute in an argument (esp in the phrase bone of contention )

3. a point asserted in argument

Other Word Forms

• contentional adjective
• noncontention noun
• precontention noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contention¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin contentiōn-, stem of contentiō; from content(us) “competed, striven” (past participle of contendere “to compete, strive, draw tight”; contend ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of contention¹

C14: from Latin contentiō exertion, from contendere to _contend

Idioms and Phrases

see bone of contention.

Example Sentences

As to the contention that less frequent reporting would foster more long-term planning by companies, evidence points otherwise.

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Patrick Mahomes leads the Kansas City Chiefs into Dallas on Thursday's US Thanksgiving holiday in a game both teams must win to stay in serious NFL playoff contention.

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While not all of the aforementioned players see awards as central to their mission — Black Bear leading with “Christy” is coincidental, for instance — being in contention can help fledgling distributors find their footing.

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Piastri started fifth but lost two places on the opening lap after being clouted by Lawson, who was soon taken out of contention by a broken front wing.

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“From the time we announced we had these baseballs until now, no one else has come forward and said they have the balls. There’s been no contention.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allegation 
• assertion 
• belief 
• claim 
• discussion 
• explanation 
• hypothesis 
• idea 
• opinion 
• plea 
• position 
• thesis