spar vs contend

spar is a noun but contend is not a noun.

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

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

Other hypernyms of spar include argue, debate, fence.

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

Other hypernyms of spar include fight, struggle.

spar (noun)	contend (noun)
making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer
a stout rounded pole of wood or metal used to support rigging
any of various nonmetallic minerals (calcite or feldspar) that are light in color and transparent or translucent and cleavable

spar (verb)	contend (verb)
fight verbally	to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation
box lightly	have an argument about something
fight with spurs	maintain or assert
furnish with spars	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