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- pronunciation:
- k
 n
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
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| 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
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| 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
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| related words: |
argue, bicker, buffet, deal, defend, discord, grapple, oppose, protest, remonstrate, skirmish, tug |
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| 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
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| related words: |
deny, object, plead, purport, remonstrate, submit |
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| derivation: |
contendingly (adv.) |
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