contend

verb

con·​tend kən-ˈtend How to pronounce contend (audio)
contended; contending; contends
Synonyms of contend

intransitive verb

1
: to strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties : struggle
contended with the problems of municipal government
will contend for the championship this year
2
: to strive in debate : argue

transitive verb

1
: maintain, assert
contended that he was right
contends that the new law would help only the wealthy
2
: to struggle for : contest
She contended every point, objected to every request …—Margaret Mead

Synonyms of contend

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Examples of contend in a Sentence

These people contend that they have earned the right to the land. The team is expected to contend for the championship this year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But one thing is certain that is not going to be a walkover for any of the contending parties at all in this election. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Vogelsong-Parvin, in her closing argument, contended that Nakira did not act like a grieving parent. — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026 Many leaders like Knapp contended that technology is useful for an initial snapshot of their guests, but could not replace human connection. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 With Haliburton back, Indiana expects to contend in a competitive Eastern Conference. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contend

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contenden, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French contendre, going back to Latin contendere "to draw tight, strain, make an effort, strive, compete," from con- con- + tendere "to extend outward, stretch, spread out, aim (at a purpose)" — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contend was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing contend

Rhymes for contend

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Browse Nearby Words

contemptus mundi
contend
contender
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Cite this Entry

“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contend. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contend

verb
con·​tend kən-ˈtend How to pronounce contend (audio)
1
: compete
2
: to try hard to deal with
many problems to contend with
3
: to argue or state earnestly
contend that my opinion is right
contender noun
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