Synonyms for Contend (same or very similar meaning)
WordNet sense 1 (come to terms or deal successfully with):
cope, deal, grapple, manage, get by, make out
WordNet sense 2 (be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight):
fight, struggle
WordNet sense 3 (compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others):
compete, vie
WordNet sense 4 (to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation):
contest, repugn, contest
WordNet sense 5 (have an argument about something):
argue, debate, fence
WordNet sense 6 (maintain or assert):
postulate, postulate
From the ODE community, based on WordNet
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