CONTEND (WITH) Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

contend (with)

verb

Definition of contend (with)

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to oppose

to strive to reduce or eliminate medical missionaries who daily contend with disease and poverty

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contend (with)

Verb

The White House earlier this week launched an effort to address those.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
The broadcast networks do not always carry a presidential primetime speech upon White House request, as decisions were made to bypass Joe Biden and Barack Obama addresses as well.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Definition of address

Verb

Earlier versions of the county’s early voting plan included Sunday voting, which Democrats generally supported and Republicans opposed.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
But the semi-annual change has few fans – an AP-NORC poll last year found that only 12% of American adults were in favor of it, while almost half opposed it.

— Deepti Hajela, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Definition of oppose

Verb

The escalating standoff comes as the fragile truce reached last month has fractured, once again disrupting energy flows through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles around 20% of the world's oil traffic.

— Sam Meredith,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 July 2026
The state attorneys general and Paramount previously agreed to link the private party suit to the states’ case, which means that Martinez-Olguin will handle the state matter as well.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 17 July 2026

Definition of handle

Verb

Dancing in a group also offers significant psychological benefits, fostering socialization and combatting isolation and stress.

— Francesca Martinengo, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026
The Salgado Araujo family’s lawyer said that the substance was salt, which outdoor workers mix with lemon and water to combat the Texas heat.

— Albinson Linares, NBC news, 17 July 2026

Definition of combat

Verb

Raving can be traced to the late 1980s, when artists like DJ Pierre and Spanky sparked a bright but short flame of acid house in Chicago clubs, manipulating synthesizers to create squelchy beats dancers could jack their bodies to.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
Today’s elite are going to extraordinary lengths to manipulate their microclimates, from morphing mansions to underground snow rooms.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026

Definition of manipulate

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contends (with)

contend (with)

content

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Style

“Contend (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contend%20%28with%29. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of contend (with)

verb

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