contend

verb

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

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

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.
Smollett's legal team contended in their appeal that the involvement of a special prosecutor was improper after the Cook County State's Attorney had initially dismissed the charges. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Trump supporters will contend that his cultural conservatism and promise of a better economy helped turn the tide. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024 Supporters of the initiative asserted that current policies have left law enforcement toothless in pursuing serial theft, contending that offenders can stay out of jail and court with impunity as long as the theft is below the threshold. Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 If the final slate of nominees once again includes American reggae band SOJA — who’s contending this year with Beauty In the Acoustic — stay tuned for a repeat of the controversy that their 2022 triumph (for Beauty in the Silence) sparked. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near contend

Cite this Entry

“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contend. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

contend

verb
con·​tend kən-ˈtend How to pronounce contend (audio)
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on contend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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