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

Both have the potential to win the conference and contend for a Super Bowl. —Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025

This recent stretch for the Sharks includes wins over playoff-contending teams like the New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche, and now the Jets, last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

But, if the Supreme Court ultimately holds that the president additionally has broad and unfettered authority to impose tariffs through IEEPA in times of national emergency, as the executive branch contends, that could diminish or conflict with Congress’ tariff authority. —Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Both the e-commerce giant and the city contend that there has been communication between the two. —Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 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