From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishcontendcon‧tend /kənˈtend/ ●○○ verb 1 [intransitive]COMPETE WITH/TRY TO BEAT to compete against someone in order to gain somethingcontend for Three armed groups are contending for power. Inevitably, fights break out between the members of contending groups.2 [transitive]SAY/STATE to argue or state that something is true SYN insistcontend (that) Some astronomers contend that the universe may be younger than previously thought. → contend with something→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
contend• But they have to do more than contend.• These ten programs contend for a limited number of real and symbolic resources.• The government contended that most of the refugees were fleeing poverty, not persecution.• Proponents for moving Lindbergh to Miramar contend that the 24,000-acre Naval base contains a much better safety zone.• They contend that the commissioner is required by law to enforce the anti-redlining regulation, regardless of personal preference.• First Bank officials, however, contend they will find other means to bolster earnings and maintain their projections.• I know the charms of my rival are too powerful for me to contend with.contend for• Ten teams are contending for the title.contend (that)• Both men knew the claim was false, the historian contends.• Critics contend it motivates doctors to ration care.• His defence counsel contended that a suspended sentence would enable Chemouil to pay compensation to the victim.• They would not even contend that Dole maintained the lead he has enjoyed in the Granite State for months.• However, the Czech government contended that it could not afford to stop selling arms until substitute industries were in place.• BCohen contends that the 7-foot former basketball star slammed him against a store window and on to the ground.• Five months later, the Maharashtra government suspended work, contending the project was too expensive.• As well as grappling with the weakness of output, policymakers are contending with another emerging markets crisis.Origin contend (1400-1500) Old French contendre, from Latin contendere, from com- ( → COM-) + tendere “to stretch” 