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 guild contended that Attiah’s firing was pretextual, and that she was being penalized for speech that fell within her job description. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

The IndustriALL Bangladesh Council, or IBC, contends that the clock began when the existing garment wage took effect in December 2023. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

The Miami Hurricanes, on paper, enter the 2026 season as a front-runner to contend for a national championship. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026

Burns didn't become a five-time PGA Tour winner, contend for major championships and earn five consecutive Team USA spots without pouring himself into the game. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 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