There are several synonyms for the phrase "contend for," which means to compete or fight for something. One such synonym is "vying for," which carries the same connotation of competition and striving to achieve a goal. Another option is "competing for," which implies a similar level of competition but with a focus on winning or achieving a desired outcome. "Going for" is another synonym that emphasizes the action of striving for something, while "pursuing" suggests a more active approach to achieving a goal. Overall, there are several ways to express the idea of competing or fighting for something, each with its own nuances and subtle differences in meaning.