contend, vie with, vie for, enter into competition, take part, strive, struggle, cope with, be in the running, become a competitor, enter the rolls, enter the lists, run for, participate in, contend for a prize, race, race with, engage in a contest, oppose, wrestle, be rivals, contest, fight, tussle, joust, battle, seek the same prize, bandy with, spar, fence, collide, tilt, bid, face, clash, encounter, match wits with, match strength with, play, grapple, jockey, rival, emulate, keep up with the Joneses, take on*, take on all comers*, go in for*, lock horns with*, go out for*, throw one's hat into the ring*, give a run for one's money*; see also contest 2, fight 1, 2.
