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.
The town also contends the aquifer nearby could be in jeopardy if a battery fire releases chemicals. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025 In place of lockdowns, the statement contended, the nation could simply let infections spread among most of the population while the old and infirm remained in relative isolation. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025 Strossen contends that holding up a poster or sharing a social media post does not fall under the category of unprotected speech. Solcyré Burga, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025 Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci have already been traded to contending teams. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contend. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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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