English · Word Candidate

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.

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