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

This appears to be a balanced league, so Western will contend for one of the six-team league’s three automatic berths in the playoffs. — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2026

Bar-Zemer contends that safety features could be installed to make sure pedestrians have enough time to exit the pathway if water rises swiftly. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

However, the author contends this limitation is insufficient, recalling the severe economic impact of prior Trump tariffs on major trading partners. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

The Utes are expected to contend for a Big 12 title … while Kansas is simply not there yet. — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 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