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

Now after not knowing if her career was over, Prince could contend for an All-American spot, just like Van Lith, who is averaging 18.3 points and a career-high 6.2 assists. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Jan. 2025

The suit, submitted in U.S. District Court, contends that Black voters, who represent nearly one-third of the county's electorate, face significant barriers to electing candidates of their choice under the current system. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

Building up prospect depth is never a bad thing for an organization, and continual improvement there isn’t just desirable but necessary for any team that wants to contend. —Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

The feds contend Pepsi’s conduct violates the Robinson-Patman Act (RPA), which was put in place in 1936 to protect small businesses. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025

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