What is the meaning of contending?

verb

• Maintain or assert.
  • usage: "He contended that Communism had no future"
  • synonyms: contend, postulate
• Have an argument about something.
  • synonyms: argue, contend, debate, fence
• To make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation.
  • usage: "They contested the outcome of the race"
  • synonyms: contest, contend, repugn
• Come to terms with.
  • usage: "We got by on just a gallon of gas"; "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day"
  • synonyms: cope, get by, make out, make do, contend, grapple, deal, manage
• Compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others.
  • synonyms: compete, vie, contend
• Be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight.
  • usage: "the tribesmen fought each other"; "Siblings are always fighting"; "Militant groups are contending for control of the country"
  • synonyms: contend, fight, struggle