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Definitions

contend

[kuhn-tend] / kənˈtɛnd /
VERB
compete, fight
Synonyms
STRONGEST
argue confront cope dispute go after grapple meet oppose push for resist vie
STRONG
battle clash contest controvert emulate encounter face jostle litigate oppugn push rival skirmish stand strive struggle tug withstand
WEAK
give all one's got give one's all go for go for broke go for it go for jugular have at jockey for position knock oneself out lock horns make play for mix it up with scramble for shoot at shoot for tangle with
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agree comply go along
STRONG
hide make peace retreat surrender yield
WEAK
abandon cede desert give in give up leave
VERB
claim, assert
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allege assert charge claim defend dispute insist maintain say tell urge
STRONG
affirm aver avow blast cross debate dictate enjoin hold justify mix prescribe report rip vindicate warrant zap
WEAK
come at fly in face of gang up on go at have at have bone to pick jump on lace into lay into let have it light into lock horns with mix it up put up argument set to sock it to one stick it to take on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny desert forget question
STRONG
divide separate unmix
WEAK
abandon cede give in give up leave retreat surrender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His lawyers contend they seek to correct a 160-year misunderstanding about the Constitution’s promise that “all persons born” in this country are deemed to be citizens.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Fund managers contend that AI will affect each software company differently and that some will adapt or even benefit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Neither are the industry’s current problems just a case of a few bad loans, as its boosters contend.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

"I have children and grandchildren who have to contend with that."

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Duane was not keen on returning home the same way as he came because he feared that there would be more hellos to contend with from the hills.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.