Definition of "contend" []

To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle: armies contending for control of strategic territory; had to contend with long lines at the airport. (verb-intransitive)
To compete, as in a race; vie. (verb-intransitive)
To strive in controversy or debate; dispute. See Synonyms at discuss. (verb-intransitive)
To maintain or assert: The defense contended that the evidence was inadmissible. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "contend" in a sentence

"Sources at the label contend that Apple's submission was a work-in-progress, not a completed recording."
"(Soundbite of protest) SCHAPER: After the searches, hundreds of anti-war activists protested outside of FBI headquarters in Minneapolis, Chicago, and other cities to denounce what they contend is an effort to squash free speech against U.S. policy."
"THE GOOD NEWS: The Vols should again contend for an SEC title and have a good chance to make a deep NCAA Tournament run next year with a nice nucleus and a solid recruiting class."

Words like "contend"

claim combat contended contender contending contends contention

contentious contest debate dispute emulate equal fight

go for litigate oppose play race rival run

strive struggle touch try for