contentious
adjective
con·ten·tious
kən-ˈten(t)-shəs 
1
: likely to cause disagreement or argument
a contentious issue
2
: exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes
a man of a most contentious nature
contentiously
adverb
contentiousness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of contentious in a Sentence
In the perpetual skirmish between science and religion, biological evolution is a contentious battle ground.
—
Barry A. Palevitz, Skeptical Inquirer, July/August 1999
Creator Jim Davis had spent two years fine-tuning the contentious relationship between the grouchy cat, his milquetoast owner, Jon (Davis' pen-and-ink alter ego), and befuddled dog Odie—in a strip he'd thought would be called Jon.
—Beth Johnson, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 1998
Historians, admittedly a contentious lot, have failed even to agree on what to call King Philip's War.
—Jill Lepore, The Name of War, 1998
My mental attitude when drinking is both contentious and malicious, and while in this mood and state I was the author of statements which I know to be wholly unfounded.
—Theodore Dreiser, The Titan, 1914
After a contentious debate, members of the committee finally voted to approve the funding.
The dispute involves one of the region's most contentious leaders.
Barry A. Palevitz, Skeptical Inquirer, July/August 1999
Creator Jim Davis had spent two years fine-tuning the contentious relationship between the grouchy cat, his milquetoast owner, Jon (Davis' pen-and-ink alter ego), and befuddled dog Odie—in a strip he'd thought would be called Jon.
—Beth Johnson, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 1998
Historians, admittedly a contentious lot, have failed even to agree on what to call King Philip's War.
—Jill Lepore, The Name of War, 1998
My mental attitude when drinking is both contentious and malicious, and while in this mood and state I was the author of statements which I know to be wholly unfounded.
—Theodore Dreiser, The Titan, 1914
After a contentious debate, members of the committee finally voted to approve the funding.
The dispute involves one of the region's most contentious leaders.
Recent Examples on the Web
The change would weaken legislative control and give Wisconsinites more direct input on contentious policies.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
The map of the area today has been drawn by a convoluted history of interstate wars, outside interference, contentious politics within both the Israeli and Palestinian communities, and aborted attempts at a peaceful resolution.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025
There is an endless supply of debate and deliberation on the contentious generation-to-generation comparisons.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
New president, potential TikTok ban The year 2024 saw a slew of historical events, such as a contentious presidential election, a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse and huge pop culture moments.
—John Riley, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contentious 
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Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
The map of the area today has been drawn by a convoluted history of interstate wars, outside interference, contentious politics within both the Israeli and Palestinian communities, and aborted attempts at a peaceful resolution.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025
There is an endless supply of debate and deliberation on the contentious generation-to-generation comparisons.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
New president, potential TikTok ban The year 2024 saw a slew of historical events, such as a contentious presidential election, a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse and huge pop culture moments.
—John Riley, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contentious
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Dictionary Entries Near contentious
Cite this Entry
“Contentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contentious. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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