contention

American  

[kuhn-ten-shuhn] / kənˈtɛn ʃən /

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.

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contention British  

/ 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

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contention Idioms  

1. see bone of contention.

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Other Word Forms

• contentional adjective
• noncontention noun
• precontention noun

Etymology

Origin of contention

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

Explanation

There is nothing "content," or satisfying, about being in contention, and that's probably because the word contention means being in a competition that only one side can win. "And in this corner, the contender" is heard at most boxing matches to describe each of the fighters about to go into contention in the ring. Sometimes, though, a contention can be a battle of words or a struggle between two parties over a single point. The expression "bone of contention" describes a narrow object of disagreement that reaches the level of strife, or contention. For two hungry dogs, though, the bone of contention might be a serious matter.

Example Sentences

They were still in contention for a higher seed in the Western Conference, but the Lakers were not focused on that.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

The county has exempted the project from undergoing a state environmental review — a point of contention for many residents who are concerned about the health and environmental impacts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

It has been one of the biggest points of contention between Brussels and Washington, but Puzder struck a conciliatory tone after last week's announcement of a "dialogue" between the EU and United States.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

That, at least, has been the contention of most philosophers, theologians, novelists and nearly every person counted as wise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

And don’t forget: this comma contention was not a matter of right or wrong.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author

Related Words

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