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
On the backdrop of a contentious presidential election and with some of the Bay Area’s local and congressional races drawing national attention, the West Valley’s local races were quiet by comparison.
—Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Voting has concluded in one of the most contentious U.S. presidential elections in recent history.
—Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will face off in one of the most contentious elections in recent history.
—The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Competitive school board races Some of the most contentious local election fights in Central Indiana have been over school board races, especially in Hamilton County where the local Republican party and other conservative groups have gotten involved in the nonpartisan contests.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contentious 
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Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Voting has concluded in one of the most contentious U.S. presidential elections in recent history.
—Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will face off in one of the most contentious elections in recent history.
—The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Competitive school board races Some of the most contentious local election fights in Central Indiana have been over school board races, especially in Hamilton County where the local Republican party and other conservative groups have gotten involved in the nonpartisan contests.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 5 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 26 Nov. 2024.
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