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
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Recent Examples of contravention
Trump today is attempting something unprecedented that stands in contravention of all historical tradition in the United States: the brutal application of federal forces against a state and region with no apparent reason beyond its being led by members of the political opposition.
—
Garrett M. Graff, Wired News, 25 Jan. 2026
This modus operandi is a direct contravention of Gallifrey's strict non-interference policies.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 June 2025
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
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
Garrett M. Graff, Wired News, 25 Jan. 2026
This modus operandi is a direct contravention of Gallifrey's strict non-interference policies.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 June 2025
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
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
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The facility was inspected by the department three other times in the last five years and was cited for violations unrelated to chemicals and storage.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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Rafa confesses to eating chocolate in violation of his strict diet.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Major news companies are taking a two-track approach, filing copyright infringement suits in some cases and striking content licensing deals with AI firms in other cases.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
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Drag queen Pattie Gonia has broken her silence months after Patagonia sued her for trademark infringement.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contravention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravention. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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