contends
con-tends
verb
To formally state or argue a point, especially in a debate or dispute.
"The lawyer contends his client is innocent."
verb
To compete or struggle against an opponent or for a prize.
"The team contends for the league title."
Thesaurus
Synonyms: postulate, grapple, make do, make out, manage, deal, cope, get by, vie, compete, contest, repugn