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contend

/kənˈtɛnd/  ·  say it: kuhn·TEND

to argue or maintain a position

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to say or argue that something is true

2. (verb) to compete or struggle against something

3. (verb) to deal with or manage a difficult situation

Examples

• 1. The lawyer contended that her client was innocent.
• 2. The two teams are contending for the championship.
• 3. We had to contend with heavy traffic on the way home.

How to use contend

Contend has three distinct uses: in formal contexts it means to assert or argue a position (contend that something is true); in competitive contexts it means to compete or strive (contend for a title); and most commonly, contend with means to face or manage a difficult situation (contend with challenges). The first sense is more formal and argumentative than simple 'claim', while the third sense emphasizes active struggle rather than passive acceptance.

Common phrases

• contend with difficulties
• contend that
• contend for a prize
• fiercely contend
• have to contend with

Synonyms

argue · assert · claim · maintain · struggle

Opposites

concede · surrender

Word family

contender · contention · contentious

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'contend' with 'against' when 'with' is standard: 'contend with problems' not 'contend against problems' (except in athletic competition contexts).

Nearby in Debate & Persuasion

assert, refute, rebut, concede

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained