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

In Piranha Plant Nap Mishap there are multiple alarm clocks with which to contend. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025

The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde Saturday after the team’s slow start to the 2025 season after contending for the American League East title last season. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025

The signers contend that the districts chosen for the pilot program are majority-Black and have a history of abuse at the hands of police, including torture and excessive force. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025

In addition to those games, the Jets will play road games against the Bengals and Ravens, who are expected to contend for the AFC North division crown. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 May 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

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