Synonyms of contended

1 Syllable
push, tug, face, vie, cope, clash, stand, meet
2 Syllables
jostle, confront, strive, resist, contest, argue, grapple, oppugn, withstand, struggle, battle, skirmish, rival
3 Syllables
encounter, dispute, controvert, oppose
4 Syllables
debateable, litigate, controversial, emulate