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. to struggle in rivalry, battle, etc; vie

2. to argue earnestly; debate

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

Other Word Forms

• contender noun
• contendingly adverb
• noncontending adjective
• precontend verb (used without object)
• recontend verb (used without object)
• uncontended adjective
• uncontending 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

Though the ban led to the cancellation of a planned shelter in Norwalk, city leaders contended that the policy largely was a negotiating tactic to ensure that the state and other agencies heard their concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

Now the residents are suing the Olive Dell owners, contending that they are being forced out.

From Los Angeles Times

They contend that Midjourney-enabled creations are almost identical to their original copyrighted cartoons.

From Los Angeles Times

The Republican Senate majority, meanwhile, has to contend with the filibuster, so Democrats could, in theory, force a shutdown all by themselves.

From Salon

Instead, it contends the politically conservative news space is a market unto itself, controlled almost entirely by Fox.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• argue 
• confront 
• cope 
• dispute 
• go after 
• grapple 
• meet 
• oppose 
• push for www.thesaurus.com
• resist 
• vie