Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
contend

con·tend

contend

 
 
pronunciation:
kn tend
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, transitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: contends, contending, contended
definition 1: to strive against difficulties or opposition (usu. fol. by "with").
The ship contended with the high waves until, finally, it capsized.The prime minister is having to contend with criticism from his own party.
synonyms:
fight, grapple, strive, struggle, wrestle
similar words:
battle, combat, compete, cope
definition 2: to strive in competition or rivalry.
They are one of several teams contending for the championship title.
synonyms:
compete, contest, vie
similar words:
battle, duel, fight, jostle, joust, strive, war
definition 3: to strive in argument; dispute; debate.
They angrily contended about which plan was best.I don't want to contend with you about this matter any longer.
synonyms:
altercate, argue, debate, disagree, dispute
antonyms:
concur
similar words:
clash, combat, compete, feud, fight, quarrel, spar, spat, squabble, wrangle
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition: to assert in argument; state forcefully.
I've heard your arguments, but I still contend that humanity is basically good.
synonyms:
argue, assert, avow, claim, maintain
similar words:
affirm, allege, asseverate, aver, contest, debate, declare, insist, profess, pronounce, propound, protest, state
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: contendingly (adv.)
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature