1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
the Tartars were a contentious people who terrorized much of Asia and eastern Europe during the Middle Ages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controversial
given to arguing
a tiresomely contentious person who likes to argue for the sake of arguing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in difficult
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
gun control is likely to be a contentious subject in any group discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contentious
Abrego was ultimately returned to the U.S. on June 6, following a contentious back-and-forth between the court and the Trump administration that raised concerns about defiance of the judicial branch.
—
Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 July 2025
The guidance comes in response to viral videos from contentious town halls around the country.
—Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
The Bronx cop who shot dead a motorist during a contentious car stop six years ago acted within department guidelines, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has decided.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025
While Clark has been integral in the rise of the WNBA’s popularity since breaking rookie and league records last season with the Fever, there have been many contentious moments with opponents.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contentious
Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 July 2025
The guidance comes in response to viral videos from contentious town halls around the country.
—Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
The Bronx cop who shot dead a motorist during a contentious car stop six years ago acted within department guidelines, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has decided.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025
While Clark has been integral in the rise of the WNBA’s popularity since breaking rookie and league records last season with the Fever, there have been many contentious moments with opponents.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentious
Adjective
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With that in mind, it's expected the Dodgers will be very aggressive at the trade deadline.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
-
Maritz has been aggressive in challenges and positive with pushing forward into attack.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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The timing coincides with Iran's controversial suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and reports of major internet disruptions across the country, suggesting ongoing tensions and potential preparations for future diplomatic or military developments.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
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Delegates avoided any controversial subjects that might trigger Washington’s ire, analysts said.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands of guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the war's end, while Netanyahu has insisted Israel would resume fighting to ensure the militant group's destruction.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
arkansasonline.com,
6 July 2025
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Western audiences absorb coverage of militant acts by a narrow segment of the Palestinian population while the intellect and insights of the rest are largely ignored by disinterested media institutions.—
Micah Danney,
New York Daily News,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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Forced to work in a more hostile environment than.when it was first established in 2019, the mission faces limited options for evacuations due to the ongoing suspension of international commercial flights, and mobility, because of gangs’ ongoing gang encirclement of Port-au-Prince.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
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From retail shops to corner bodegas and independent grocery stores, the past few years have not only forced small business owners to confront staggering economic challenges, but also a needlessly hostile regulatory environment brought on by out-of-touch policymakers.—
Tosha Miller,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Several sources described the interaction as heated and combative.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2025
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When officers arrived, Jones allegedly became more agitated and combative.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Determined to make a clean SPF, Brown says a chemical formula was out of the question (chemical sunscreens are often thought to be unsafe for the coral reef and irritable to sensitive skin types).—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
9 July 2025
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In my own experience, poor sleep has frequently been the reason behind feeling tired and irritable.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentious. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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