Synonyms of contend

contend

verb

kən-ˈtend 

1

as in to compete

to engage in a contest

two traditional rivals contending for the championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compete
• fight
• race
• battle
• rival
• vie
• play
• engage
• challenge
• face off
• maneuver
• try out
• jostle
• work
• go out
• jockey
• train

2

as in to argue

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration

contended that the senator's considerable experience made him the best candidate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• argue
• reason
• plead
• assert
• insist
• convince
• maintain
• justify
• claim
• explain
• mention
• suggest
• persuade
• consider
• cite
• propose
• affirm
• defend
• submit
• offer
• adduce
• enforce
• urge
• advise
• recommend
• discuss
• advocate
• counsel
• give
• rationalize
• refute
• aver
• avow
• advance
• disprove
• espouse
• rebut
• support
• debate
• counter
• avouch
• champion
• confute

3

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully

contended that his opponent was wrong about practically everything

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insist
• allege
• claim
• assert
• maintain
• declare
• argue
• affirm
• announce
• proclaim
• purport
• protest
• profess
• aver
• warrant
• defend
• put forth
• avow
• confirm
• reason
• justify
• avouch
• rationalize
• vindicate
• broadcast
• persevere
• uphold
• reassert
• reaffirm
• support

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• abandon
• reject
• challenge
• negate
• repudiate
• gainsay
• negative
• disclaim
• dispute
• question
• refute
• disprove
• rebut
• contradict
• disavow
• disown
• counter
• confute

Examples of contend in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Farrell contends that his attorneys have vetted and signed off on the arrangement. —Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024

But consistent success has proved elusive, with crosstown rivals Manchester City instead dominating the sport, powered by investment from Abu Dhabi that is now the subject of a court battle — a bitter reality for fans of United, who are used to contending for top honors every year. —Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2024

Republicans contend the Federal Housing Finance Agency has been overseeing the two firms far too long, stymying competition in the housing finance market while putting taxpayers at risk should another bailout be necessary, like in 2008. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024

Another brutal effort against a fierce rival will place into question Dallas’ ability to contend moving forward on the season. —Vincent Frank, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Phrases Containing contend

• contend (with)