contend

American  

[kuhn-tend] / kənˈtɛnd /

verb (used without object)

1. to struggle in opposition.

   to contend with the enemy for control of the port.

   Synonyms:

   fight, battle, grapple, wrestle

2. to strive in rivalry; compete; vie.

   to contend for first prize.

3. to strive in debate; dispute earnestly.

   to contend against falsehood.

   Synonyms:

   wrangle, argue

   Antonyms:

   agree

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verb (used with object)

1. to assert or maintain earnestly.

   He contended that taxes were too high.

   Synonyms:

   claim, hold

contend British  

/ kənˈtɛnd /

verb

1. to struggle in rivalry, battle, etc; vie

2. to argue earnestly; debate

3. (tr; may take a clause as object) to assert or maintain

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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

On the other side are people who are struggling to get hired as businesses contend with economic uncertainty.

From MarketWatch

Meanwhile, analysts contend that even a mildly stronger yuan would still leave Chinese goods highly price-competitive given the currency’s deep undervaluation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The broadening comes at a challenging time for all PC makers as they contend with skyrocketing prices for memory chips.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some contend that weaker Chinese demand could lower prices somewhat in 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before the start of the season, the New England Patriots looked to be as far away as any team from contending for a Super Bowl.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• argue
• confront
• cope
• dispute
• go after
• grapple
• meet
• oppose
• push for
• resist
• vie