contention
/kənˈtɛnʃən/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: contentions
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Argument, contest, debate, strife, struggle.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
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.
Noun
Examples
It is my contention that state lotteries are taxes on stupid people.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “contention” mean?
Argument, contest, debate, strife, struggle.
Is “contention” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.