Contend Definition & Meaning

contend
verb
  1. maintain or assert; "He contended that Communism had no future"
  2. have an argument about something
  3. to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation; "They contested the outcome of the race"
  4. come to terms with; "We got by on just a gallon of gas"; "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day"
  5. compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
  6. be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight; "the tribesmen fought each other"; "Siblings are always fighting"; "Militant groups are contending for control of the country"

Synonyms for contend

argue verb

present reasons and arguments have an argument about something give evidence of; "The evidence argues for your claim

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
compete verb

compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others

♫ Rhymes
contest noun

an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants a struggle between rivals to make the

♫ Rhymes
cope noun

brick that is laid sideways at the top of a wall a long cloak

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deal noun

a particular instance of buying or selling; "it was a package deal"; "I had no further trade with him

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debate noun

a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
fence noun

a barrier that serves to enclose an area a dealer in stolen property enclose with a fence

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grapple noun

a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding

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manage verb

be successful; achieve a goal; "She succeeded in persuading us all"; "I managed to carry the box upstairs

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postulate noun

(logic) a proposition that is accepted as true in order to provide a basis for logical reasoning maintain or assert

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"Contend" in song lyrics

See how contend is used in real songs:

  • "When you recover you'll try to contend"
    The 7A3 — Hit 'Em Again
  • "Everything's polluted in years, how will the world contend?"
    Akir — Apocalypse
  • "That no one can contend"
    G&E Music (The Grouch and Eligh) — Do What You Can

Words that rhyme with contend

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Usage tips for "contend"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "contend" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for contend to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with contend ↔ Synonyms for contend 🔬 Words containing contend

Frequently asked questions

What does contend mean?
maintain or assert; "He contended that Communism had no future" have an argument about something to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation; "They contested the outcome of the race" come to terms with; "We got by on just a gallon of gas"; "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day" compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight; "the tribesmen fought each other"; "Siblings are always fighting
What part of speech is contend?
Contend is a verb.
How many definitions does contend have?
Contend has 6 definitions across 1 part of speech (verb).

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