1
as in to address
to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently
a multitude of problems to contend with as soon as he returned to the office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to oppose
to strive to reduce or eliminate
medical missionaries who daily contend with disease and poverty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend (with)
Verb
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The essay popularized the concept of the male gaze, classical Hollywood cinema’s propensity to address, embody, and shape film spectators as heterosexual and male.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
14 Aug. 2025 -
The city's religious leaders also criticized Congress' refusal to release more than $1 billion in funds for programs aimed at addressing the root causes of crime, including addiction recovery services, mental health treatment, youth outreach and affordable housing.—
Jason DeRose,
NPR,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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It was frowned upon to fraternize with opposing players during batting practice, so hugging them in the first inning would be totally out of the question.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
23 Aug. 2025
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Because both of the state’s Democratic senators — Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) — oppose Habba’s nomination, it was doomed for failure due to the power of the blue slips.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The fire crew has managed to contain none of the blaze by Friday evening.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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In July, the House Appropriations Committee approved a 25% cut in the agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which helps states manage wastewater infrastructure to ensure the cleanliness of waterways.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Following emancipation, Black families fought to reunite, underscoring the idea of family as foundational to their status as free people, as described by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
13 Aug. 2025
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The stunt team and fight choreographers deserve tremendous credit as well.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Brian Cotter when sworn in years ago: New Pueblo County coroner brings change What agency is handling the Pueblo coroner case?—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
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My wife was impressed by how Tennesseans handled the temperatures seemingly without issue.—
Tobis Heimbach,
The Tennessean,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
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During the 1930s, foreign leaders calculated that acting more resolutely would expend scarce domestic political capital and military means required to combat Nazi Germany in other ways.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Aug. 2025
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The government assembles a motley task force to combat the monster and an envoy from the U.S. Department of State delivers a folder of classified documents — on its cover, the word GODZILLA as the origin story to one of cinema’s greatest creations blends action and political satire.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This included reporting that the company manipulated vote counts, is owned by a company founded in Venezuela to rig elections for Hugo Chavez, is paid kickbacks to government officials who used its machines in swing states and was involved in voting irregularities in Texas in 2018.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Aug. 2025
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Gerrymandering is when politicians manipulate district lines, dividing or grouping populations, to get an advantage.—
Larry Kaplow,
NPR,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Her love for journalism began with taking freelance sports photos for her local newspaper, The Fulton Sun, during high school, and her involvement with multiple school publications.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Aug. 2025
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But behind the brand deals, designer outfits and elaborate costumes, the process was taking a toll.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Contend (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend%20%28with%29. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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