contend

maintain or assert; "He contended that Communism had no future"

have an argument about something

to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation; "They contested the outcome of the race"

come to terms with; "We got by on just a gallon of gas"; "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day"

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

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight; "the tribesmen fought each other"; "Siblings are always fighting"; "Militant groups are contending for control of the country"