contention

noun

Argument, contest, debate, strife, struggle.

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.

(computing, telecommunications) Competition by parts of a system or its users for a limited resource.

Roots

tendotent- · Latin · stretch

Synonyms for contention

disputationn argumentn controversyn contestationn disputen logomachyn contentiousadj quarreln dissensionn strifen altercationn squabblen disputatiousadj

Synonyms & related words for contention

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of contention — including disputation, argument, controversy, contestation, dispute, logomachy. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to contention

Explore words related to contention — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include arguing, rivalry, contending, competition, argufy, outargue, disputer, contended. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for contention

Common synonyms for contention include disputation, argument, controversy, contestation, dispute, logomachy, contentious, quarrel — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does contention come from?

The word contention breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root tent-, from Latin tendo (“stretch”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.