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 of contend

• compete

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 12 former government officials contend that eliminating this 60-year practice will remove a critical tool for identifying workplace discrimination, and that this move marks a retreat from the EEOC’s role in ensuring nondiscrimination in employment. —Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Prosecutors argue Mtula Payton and Dandrae Martin were part of rival groups that challenged each other, while defense attorneys contend the shooting was self-defense triggered by Sergio Harris. —Sacbee.com, 16 May 2026

If this offense can be average, the Rangers could contend for at least a playoff spot. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2026

This is where those pieces of history come into play, since jockeys riding notable contending horses are more likely to get TV face time. —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026

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

Rhymes for contend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• defend
• depend
• descend

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