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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of contentious
Fish currently investigates the highly contentious topic of whether AI models could possess sentience or otherwise merit moral consideration.
—
Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
Zoom out: Possible dealmaking took shape as the committee heard testimony today on the Rosemont legislation as part of a package of six mining bills — some bipartisan, others more contentious.
—Daniel Moore, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
In the past few weeks, Republicans have used their narrow majority to advance bills on contentious issues, including an initiative to bar transgender students from competing in female sports.
—Ernesto Londoño, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2025
The talks came less than two weeks after a contentious Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky late last month.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contentious
Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
Zoom out: Possible dealmaking took shape as the committee heard testimony today on the Rosemont legislation as part of a package of six mining bills — some bipartisan, others more contentious.
—Daniel Moore, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
In the past few weeks, Republicans have used their narrow majority to advance bills on contentious issues, including an initiative to bar transgender students from competing in female sports.
—Ernesto Londoño, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2025
The talks came less than two weeks after a contentious Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky late last month.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentious
Adjective
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Trump prompts a more aggressive digital posture Democrats adopted a more combative stance online in recent weeks as Trump’s moves to slash the federal workforce drew protests from liberals and pushback at GOP town halls.—
Matt Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2025
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As a result, teams are taking a more aggressive approach.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The state was the first to authorize the controversial new execution method nitrogen hypoxia in 2015, but to date has never used it.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2025
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That tough-on-crime measure was the most controversial measure on the November 2024 ballot, and was passed resoundingly by voters despite opposition from Democratic leaders like Gov. Gavin Newsom.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacramento Bee,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Why did the ceasefire break down? Both Israel and the Trump administration have blamed Hamas for the resumption of hostilities, citing the militant group's refusal to meet Israel's demand to release more hostages in return for the resumption of talks.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC News,
19 Mar. 2025
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Israel launched its military assault on Gaza after the militant group Hamas killed at least 1,200 people in Israel and abducted more than 250 others on October 7, 2023.—
Don Riddell,
CNN,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Andreas typically waits until there have been three instances of potential hostile communication before asking her friend or colleague if everything is OK.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
28 Mar. 2025
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Home to one of the world’s largest refugee populations – most of them from Afghanistan – Pakistan has not always welcomed the foreigners, subjecting them to hostile living conditions and threatening deportation over the years.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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President Donald Trump’s agenda is taking a combative, rocky path through the judicial branch.—
Cory Smith,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Mar. 2025
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Driving the news: Vance has won over Trump's base with combative public performances, by savvily managing relationships with Trump's team, and by showing unwavering fealty to Trump's vision.—
Marc Caputo,
Axios,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Strong winds also may have North Texans feeling more irritable, which scientists blame on there being too many positive ions in the air.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Mar. 2025
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Signs of overextension burnout include feeling emotionally drained, becoming irritable and struggling to focus—all of which can affect both your work and personal life.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentious. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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