Contend' is a verb meaning to COMPETE or STRUGGLE for something. The crossword solutions given all relate to this definition, such as 'FACE', which means to confront or oppose, 'CONTEST', which means to COMPETE in a CONTEST, 'CLASH', which means to come into conflict, 'HOLD', which means to maintain or DEFEND, 'FIGHT', which means to engage in combat, 'DEFEND', which means to protect from attack, 'WITHSTAND', which means to resist successfully, 'DISAGREE', which means to differ in opinion, 'JUSTIFY', which means to provide a valid reason, 'ENCOUNTER', which means to meet or come across, 'VIE', which means to COMPETE for superiority, 'AVER', which means to state as a fact, 'COPE', which means to deal with a situation, 'ARGUE', which means to present reasons for or against something, 'ALLEGE', which means to ASSERT without proof, 'ASSERT', which means to state confidently, 'STRIVE', which means to make great efforts, 'COMPETE', which means to STRIVE to outdo another, 'GRAPPLE', which means to STRUGGLE in close combat, and 'STRUGGLE', which means to make strenuous efforts.