rival vs contend

rival is a noun but contend is not a noun.

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

As verbs, contend is a hypernym of rival; that is, contend is a word with a broader meaning than rival:

rival: be the rival of, be in competition with
contend: compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others

Other hypernyms of rival include compete, vie.

As verbs, contend is a hypernym of rival; that is, contend is a word with a broader meaning than rival:

rival: be equal to in quality or ability
contend: compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others

Other hypernyms of rival include compete, vie.

rival (noun)	contend (noun)
the contestant you hope to defeat

rival (adjective)	contend (adjective)
as a rival in a competition

rival (verb)	contend (verb)
be the rival of, be in competition with	to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation
be equal to in quality or ability	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