as in violation
a failure to uphold the requirements of law, duty, or obligation
a clandestine weapons program that was a contravention of the international arms agreement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of contravention
But they can’t be imposed capriciously, in fits of pique or in direct contravention of our laws.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
As has become familiar in the U.K. in recent years, this latest change to the immigration system to prevent further arrivals is quite likely in direct contravention of the U.K.’s international refugee and human rights obligations.
—Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2025
This was in contravention to a U.S. government moratorium on such research at the time.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
In a contravention of international law, Israel subjects Palestinians living under its rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to what is in effect martial law.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contravention
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
As has become familiar in the U.K. in recent years, this latest change to the immigration system to prevent further arrivals is quite likely in direct contravention of the U.K.’s international refugee and human rights obligations.
—Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2025
This was in contravention to a U.S. government moratorium on such research at the time.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
In a contravention of international law, Israel subjects Palestinians living under its rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to what is in effect martial law.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contravention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contravention
Noun
-
The warrant was issued as part of an investigation into narcotics violations, police said.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Now called The Palms — records show the home changed ownership both in 2018 and 2019 — the ALF has been cited by health regulators for 90 violations since 2012.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Elder law experts warn that the best protection against uncertainty, exploitation or government infringement of your independence is to plan ahead, early and often.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The intent is to substantially alter the code and thus dodge Anthropic’s copyright takedowns, which have been removing the GitHub repositories over infringement.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contravention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravention. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
