contend vs compete

contend and compete both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
contend	No	No	Yes	No
compete	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, contend and compete are synonyms defined as:

contend and compete: compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others

Other synonyms of contend include vie.

contend (verb)	compete (verb)
to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation	compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
have an argument about something
maintain or assert
compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available