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

Cruz contended the Senate bill can’t wait for the lame duck — or even worse, the next Congress. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 July 2026

Bonta and his fellow Democratic attorneys general contend that the transaction violates Section 7 of the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914, a federal law that bars mergers likely to substantially lessen competition. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 July 2026

Paramount contends that the transaction would bolster competition in streaming, as the combination of Paramount and Warner Bros would stand a better chance against stronger rivals like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon’s Prime Video. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 20 July 2026

The Philadelphia Phillies, currently contending for the NL East title, are making tough decisions within their farm system. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 20 July 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