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

The 15-count complaint contends that Teeter should not have released the police dog into the vehicle Alexander-Garcia was allegedly trying to steal and should not have pursued him on foot or jumped into the car. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 Dec. 2024

Rogan then contended that multiple factors have affected Trump’s legal fight, including his victory in the presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris, which prompted the cases to be dropped. —Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024

However, some legal experts contend prosecutors in New York overreached by charging Mangione with terrorism in the indictment. —Emma Tucker, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024

The plaintiffs contend that NASCAR is engaged in unlawful monopolistic conduct over premier stock car racing in violation of the Sherman Act. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Dec. 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