Meaning & use
contend
To argue firmly that something is true, or to compete or struggle against a difficulty.
See it in a sentence
The lawyer contended that her client had acted purely in self-defense.
Small businesses must contend with rising costs and fierce competition.
A note on using this word
Often followed by "that" to introduce a claim, or by "with" to mean dealing with a difficulty, as in "contend with the weather."
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
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