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

In that way, Chu takes a stab at making a blockbuster for our times, one that doesn’t shy away from contending with the darkness of contemporary politics and society.

From Salon

With this season of “Housewives,” Beauvais’ fifth, she has had to contend with Jax’s decision to discontinue appearing in the series after experiencing online bullying.

From Los Angeles Times

Israeli troops have continued clearing northern Gaza of inhabitants, calling for mass evacuations that many rights groups contend are a prelude to Israel’s occupation of parts of the enclave.

From Los Angeles Times

The management company denies misleading tenants and contends that the terms of residency, including potential rent increases, were clearly outlined in the contracts that they signed.

From Los Angeles Times

Opponents contend that the lands are safeguarded by existing designations and that giving them monument status will unfairly choke off recreation, such as offroading, and small-scale mining.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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