Besides those serious problems, he had to contend with all sorts of people.
Source: tatoeba (299969)
Contend
/kənˈtɛnd/
Synonyms for "contend" (294 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (59)
Strong matches (88)
chop logicchoplogicclaimclashcloseclose withcollidecombatcome to blowscompete withconfrontcontend aboutcontend againstconterminouscontestcontraposecontrapositcontrastcope withcounteract
Show 33 more words
Verb(18 words)
Noun(15 words)
Adjective(1 words)
Adverb(1 words)
forcefully argued case
Related words (147)
insist oninsist uponissueissue a manifestojoin battle withjoin issuejostlejoustjustifylabor againstlay downlie oppositelock hornslogomachizemaintainmanifestomatchmeetmeet head onmeet head-on
Show 85 more words
militate againstmix it upmootoffer resistanceopposeoppugnpersistpettifogpit againstpleadpolarizepolemicizepolemizepose againstpredicateprescribepressproclaimprofesspronounceprotestputput in oppositionput itquarrelquarrel overquibblerasslereluctreluctatereportresistriotrivalrun a tiltsayscramblescuffleset downset over againstskirmishsparspeakspeak outspeak upsquabble overstandstand forstand onstand opposedstand oppositestatestem the tidestickstick tosticklestrivestrive againststrugglestruggle againstsubmitsubtendtake issue withtake no denialtake ontake sidestellthrash outthrust and parrytilttourneytry conclusionstugtussleurgevievie withvindicatewage warwarwarrantwithstandwranglewrangle overwrestle
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: argue, compete, contest, cope, struggle.
- Sentence evidence is available for contend, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from wordnet, opengloss, moby, derived_reverse, and related lexical sources.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "contend".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "contend"
Keep "contend" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "contend" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "contend", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "contend" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
12 entriesMore specific
9 entriesCollocations
6 entriescontend forcontend in courtcontend thatcontend withcontending for prizecontending team
Inflections
3 entriesSample sentences
22 total sentences available.
He had to contend against physical suffering.
Source: tatoeba (302189)
To contend in a joust, be it verbal, one must also behave in a chivalrous way.
Source: tatoeba (927320)
I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.
Source: tatoeba (1565793)
Showing 4 of 22 available sentences.
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "contend"?
Closest matches include argue, compete, contest, cope, struggle.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "contend"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.