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
Murphy admits the divided board might present a challenge as contentious conversations continue, particularly surrounding a $200 million restructuring plan for the district that involves adding middle schools.
—Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
That decision would avoid a contentious battle that could end up in court.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024
Senate blocking is rare By stepping aside, Gaetz avoids what was shaping up to be a contentious confirmation battle that would have tested the limits of Senate Republicans' willingness to back Trump's Cabinet selections.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
The big picture: With the contentious battle with nearby residents in the rearview mirror, Northwestern looks to have the venue ready in time for the 2026 season.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contentious 
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Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
That decision would avoid a contentious battle that could end up in court.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024
Senate blocking is rare By stepping aside, Gaetz avoids what was shaping up to be a contentious confirmation battle that would have tested the limits of Senate Republicans' willingness to back Trump's Cabinet selections.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
The big picture: With the contentious battle with nearby residents in the rearview mirror, Northwestern looks to have the venue ready in time for the 2026 season.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
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 29 Nov. 2024.
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