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
Synonym Usage
See compete.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
precontendverb (used without object)
-
contendinglyadverb
-
noncontendingadjective
-
uncontendingadjective
-
recontendverb (used without object)
-
uncontendedadjective
-
contendernoun
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has contendedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have contendedperfect
-
is contendingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
are contendingprogressive
-
am contendingprogressive 1st person singular
-
have been contendingperfect progressive
-
has been contendingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
contendssingular 3rd person
-
contendingparticiple
Past
-
had contendedperfect
-
had been contendingperfect progressive
-
contendedparticiple
-
were contendingprogressive plural
-
was contendingprogressive singular
-
contendedsimple
Future
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”; see con-, tend 1
Explanation
To defend a belief or keep affirming that it's true is to contend. People used to contend that the earth was flat, but eventually, when no one dropped off the edge no matter how far they traveled, the "round" theory won. One of the meanings of contend is from the French "to strive with," and it is a literal fighting, as in "to contend with fists." Most contemporary uses of the verb contend illustrate competitions of proof or defense, where a person will contend that something is true, or better, or wrong. It is still a striving but more of a verbal kind, where what you contend is what you hope to convince others is correct.
Vocabulary lists containing contend
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Union supporters contend that the thousands of workers — despite different titles and job areas — face similar dis-empowerment in their day-to-day jobs.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026
They also contend that the decision to terminate the pregnancy was hers.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
In the early 2000s, Shamieh helped reinsurer Munich Re contend with a crippling ratings downgrade.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
When depictions of manhood contend with the real-life environment outside the movie theater, they can help us put words to the immaterial feelings we don’t always have the time or energy to parse ourselves.
From Salon • May 27, 2026
“I contend it is a possibility, at the very least.”
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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.
