contend

verb

con·​tend kən-ˈtend How to pronounce contend (audio)
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

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 Bell has contended there’s been an ongoing effort to cover up details of what happened the night his son was killed in 2004. Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2024 Advertisement Allman is among a faction of veterans who contend that the the developer’s contract to build housing does not extend to the town center. Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 It is expected that contending organizations will need to pay much more than the $53 million that Bay FC and Boston paid to enter the NWSL. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2024 Horn contends that the harm was to his ability to earn a living. Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contend 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of contend was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near contend

Cite this Entry

“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contend. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

contend

verb
con·​tend kən-ˈtend How to pronounce contend (audio)
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on contend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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