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 Many audiophiles contend that a component’s power cord—especially for the amplifier—is the most important cable connection of all, and the ER-20 Power Cord, at just $200, delivers audible improvement well beyond its modest price. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2024 Tribes across the region contend that the oil pipeline is infringing on tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, and have urged the Biden administration to speak out against the pipeline. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 Hollywood may be better off for it, these observers contend. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 In addition, many government officials, industry representatives and farmers contend that the European Union’s rules are really a form of economic protectionism, a way to shield European farmers who grow competing oilseed crops like rapeseed or soybeans. Patricia Cohen Jes Aznar, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The film received a total of five nods, contending for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score as well. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Gargiulo’s attorneys later contended in court that other men committed the murders of Bruno and Ellerin. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2024 Breed contends those efforts are paying off: Over the last six months, property crime has fallen by 30% and violent crime by 4%, according to the mayor’s office. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 The Warriors needed these final weeks of the season to make a statement — to tell ownership and the league that this team might have struggled early but is now ready to contend in a loaded Western Conference. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 Mar. 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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