contend
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
-
to struggle in rivalry, battle, etc; vie
-
to argue earnestly; debate
-
(tr; may take a clause as object) to assert or maintain
Related Words
See compete.
Other Word Forms
- contender noun
- contendingly adverb
- noncontending adjective
- precontend verb (used without object)
- recontend verb (used without object)
- uncontended adjective
- uncontending adjective
Etymology
Origin of contend
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English contenden, from Anglo-French contendre, from Latin contendere “to compete, strive, draw tight,” equivalent to con- prefix meaning “with, together” + tendere “to stretch”; con-, tend 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
U.S. population growth slowed dramatically last year, and that could create a more than $100 billion drag on the economy, a new analysis contends.
From Barron's
The ice dance competition at Milan-Cortina 2026 is heading for a thrilling conclusion, with two of the greatest partnerships in the world contending for the gold.
From BBC
They contend that AI will increase the value of their services, making it easier to extract business insights and trading opportunities from raw data.
Many are contending with depleted savings, fewer job opportunities, and slower income growth—all of which are “gradually eroding purchasing power,” says Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon.
From Barron's
Many are contending with depleted savings, fewer job opportunities, and slower income growth—all of which are “gradually eroding purchasing power,” says Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
