contend

contend with

verb

Definition of CONTEND

1

to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently <a multitude of problems to contend with as soon as he returned to the office>

Synonyms address, contend (with), cope (with), field, grapple (with), hack, manage, maneuver, manipulate, negotiate, play, swing, take, treat

Related Words engineer, finesse, jockey; bring off, carry off, carry out, get off, pull; command, direct, guide, steer; control, micromanage, regulate, run; react (to), respond (to)

Near Antonyms botch, bungle, foozle, fumble, goof (up), louse up, mess (up), mishandle, muff, scamp

2

to strive to reduce or eliminate <medical missionaries who daily contend with disease and poverty>

Synonyms battle, combat, contend (with), counter, oppose, oppugn

Related Words baffle, checkmate, foil, frustrate, resist, thwart, withstand; confront, defy, face, meet

Near Antonyms abide, bear, endure, suffer; advocate, back, champion, endorse (also indorse), support, uphold

Antonyms advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote