point of contention
noun phrase
: the thing that people are arguing over
The main point of contention is who owns the timber rights to the land.
Examples of point of contention in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When exactly that wealth that Trump is promising will start flowing is already a point of contention.
—
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Subi Reef The other atoll featured in the Philippine footage, Subi Reef—with its military base and nearly 10,000-foot airstrip—is also a point of contention between the two neighbors.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
This is a point of contention between the Adams family — Adams’ daughter, Amy Adams Strunk, is now the controlling owner — and the city of Houston, where the family is still based.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The public mail system has long faced funding issues and has been a point of contention for many administrations.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for point of contention
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Subi Reef The other atoll featured in the Philippine footage, Subi Reef—with its military base and nearly 10,000-foot airstrip—is also a point of contention between the two neighbors.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
This is a point of contention between the Adams family — Adams’ daughter, Amy Adams Strunk, is now the controlling owner — and the city of Houston, where the family is still based.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The public mail system has long faced funding issues and has been a point of contention for many administrations.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for point of contention
Cite this Entry
“Point of contention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/point%20of%20contention. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share