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 next

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of contention Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon star in this latest film for the streamer, in which the coveted wedding date of June 1 becomes a source of contention between Jim (Ferrell), father of a bride, and Margo Witherspoon), the sister of another bride. —

Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024 The issue of transgender rights has been a topic of much contention within the Democratic Party since the elections last month, when Republicans seized the White House and Senate while maintaining their House majority in the next Congress. —

Mike Lillis, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 The show's three main stars — Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez — each snagged a nomination for their respective performances, and despite the show scoring a nom for best television series - musical or comedy, Streep was shut out of contention. —

Nigel Smith, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 Message received: Gaetz withdrew from contention, and Trump replaced him with former Florida state attorney general Pam Bondi, who will be confirmed easily. —

Matthew Continetti, National Review, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contention

Noun

The legislation is part of a broader push to inject religious teachings into schools and comes as a growing number of Republicans nationally have openly embraced arguments that American politics and culture are rooted in the Christian faith.

KACEN BAYLESS THE KANSAS CITY STAR (TNS), arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024
The court was set to hear arguments in December but cancelled the proceeding after Trump’s election win; it has not been rescheduled.

Ella Lee, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024