contend

verb

USkuhn-TEND/kənˈtɛnd/

Formscontends, contending, contended

5 meanings of contend

1
verbintransitive
To work hard to deal with a problem or hard situation.
Like trying to push through a strong wind to get home.
Farmers must contend with drought every summer.
She contended with years of illness before recovering.
Similarcope, deal, grapple, struggle, wrestle
Note
2
verbintransitive
To fight or argue against another person or group.
Like two dogs pulling on the same rope.
Two teams will contend for the championship.
Rival clans contended for control of the valley.
Similarcompete, vie, fight, quarrel, wrangle
Oppositecooperate
Note
3
verbintransitive
To say strongly that you think something is true.
Like sticking to your answer and explaining why it is right.
Scientists contend that the climate is changing fast.
She contended that the rules were unfair.
Similarargue, maintain, claim, assert, insist
Oppositedeny
Note
4
verbintransitive
To argue or debate with another person about something.
Like two friends going back and forth about who is right.
The lawyers contended over the meaning of the contract.
Scholars still contend about the poem's true author.
Similarargue, debate, dispute, wrangle
Oppositeagree
Note
5
verbintransitive
To work hard to win, keep, or protect something.
Like holding tight to a toy so no one can take it.
Both nations contend for the disputed islands.
Workers contended for better pay and safer conditions.
Similarcompete, vie, struggle, fight, battle
Oppositeyield, surrender
Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of contend apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin contendere, meaning to strive or fight, made from com- ("together") and tendere ("to stretch").