contend

verb

con·​tend kən-ˈtend 

contended; contending; contends

intransitive verb

1

: to strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties : struggle

contended with the problems of municipal government

will contend for the championship this year

2

: to strive in debate : argue

transitive verb

1

: maintain, assert

contended that he was right

contends that the new law would help only the wealthy

2

: to struggle for : contest

She contended every point, objected to every request …

—Margaret Mead

Synonyms

• battle
• compete
• face off
• fight
• race
• rival
• vie

Examples of contend in a Sentence

These people contend that they have earned the right to the land.

The team is expected to contend for the championship this year.

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump’s defense contended that the Cohen payments were for legitimate legal services. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 31 May 2024

The Patterson family contends the illness was consistent with food poisoning. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2024

The choices on Republican and Democratic ballots determined which candidates became the party nominees for November, when the parties contend for seats. —Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2024

Her parents contended to authorities that did not happen. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contenden, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French contendre, going back to Latin contendere "to draw tight, strain, make an effort, strive, compete," from con- con- + tendere "to extend outward, stretch, spread out, aim (at a purpose)" — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing contend

• a lot to contend with
• contend with

Kids Definition

contend

verb

con·​tend kən-ˈtend 

1

: compete

2

: to try hard to deal with

many problems to contend with

3

: to argue or state earnestly

contend that my opinion is right

contender noun