contend

[ kuhn-tend ]

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

verb (used with object)

1. to assert or maintain earnestly:

   He contended that taxes were too high.

   Synonyms: claim, hold

contend

/ kənˈtɛnd /

verb

1. introften foll bywith to struggle in rivalry, battle, etc; vie
2. to argue earnestly; debate
3. tr; may take a clause as object to assert or maintain

Derived Forms

• conˈtender, noun
• conˈtendingly, adverb

Other Words From

• con·tend·er noun
• con·tend·ing·ly adverb
• non·con·tend·ing adjective
• pre·con·tend verb (used without object)
• re·con·tend verb (used without object)
• un·con·tend·ed adjective
• un·con·tend·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contend¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of contend¹

C15: from Latin contendere to strive, from com- with + tendere to stretch, aim

Synonym Study

See compete.

Example Sentences

Several characteristics of Waun Mawn link it to Stonehenge, the scientists contend.

From Science News

The US may have to contend with sporadic outbreaks and even vaccine boosters, as immunity declines and new variants of the virus emerge.

From Vox

She said such a move would lead to more job cuts as the industry contends with economic losses from one of Oregon’s worst wildfire seasons.

From ProPublica

It’s a question Tampa Bay has to contend with as we collectively contemplate other major sports mascots with dubious legacies, like their Super Bowl rivals in Kansas City.

From Washington Post

When it comes to a mass-participation event, you have to contend with thousands of people traveling to and from the race, not to mention the inevitable clusters of spectators along the route.

From Outside Online

They contend that the protests are not anti-police brutality, but anti-police, period.

From The Daily Beast

“Contend” is a very Cruzian word, and “I would contend” a favorite phrase.

From The Daily Beast

The center had seemingly proven wrong people who contend that rescued eaglets can only survive in captivity.

From The Daily Beast

He has to contend with much more conservative bishops, archbishops, and cardinals appointed by his two immediate predecessors.

From The Daily Beast

Still, many contend the original Amber Room was smuggled out of Königsberg and hidden during the final days of the war.

From The Daily Beast

Many contend that this system produces better results than if pipes of the actual lengths of 32 or 64 feet were employed.

From Project Gutenberg

If thou hast been wearied with running with footmen, how canst thou contend with horses?

From Project Gutenberg

Once set, the young plant must contend, not only with the ordinary risk of transplanting, but the cut-worm is now to be dreaded.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not, like some hot headed men, among both the Whigs and the Tories, contend that there ought to be no regular soldiers.

From Project Gutenberg

This was very flattering to those ladies, especially the Diplomast, considering the great odds they had to contend with.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• allege
• assert
• charge
• claim
• defend
• dispute
• insist
• maintain
• say
• tell
• urge