Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

Chief Executive Scott Kirby said the company made tactical adjustments to contend with higher fuel prices, which increased $340 million in the quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The Sparks are pushing to contend for a playoff spot this season after bringing back veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike and guards Ariel Atkins and Wheeler to build one of their deepest rosters in years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Arsenal have a Champions League tie to contend with on Wednesday, but City's attention will now fully turn to next Sunday's meeting against Mikel Arteta's side with the tantalising prospect of further reducing the deficit.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Wall Street also has to contend with the start of first-quarter earnings seasons.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Now I’ve got the shut bathroom door to contend with.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Vocabulary lists containing contend

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!