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
Dinosaur skeletons have become slightly contentious yet highly coveted collectibles, with prices for specimens skyrocketing over the past 25 years.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 July 2024
Biden has been fighting back, both during contentious calls with Democratic caucuses over the weekend and with his advisers who are trying to talk directly to lawmakers to quell the rebellion.
—Tyler Pager, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
His opposition to further U.S. funding for Ukraine has been particularly contentious, sparking intense debate within Republican ranks and drawing rebuke from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 15 July 2024
The violent protests that began in Nairobi in June appeared to erupt suddenly, a direct response to the government’s proposal of a contentious finance bill the month before.
—Mark Suzman, Foreign Affairs, 11 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for contentious 
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 July 2024
Biden has been fighting back, both during contentious calls with Democratic caucuses over the weekend and with his advisers who are trying to talk directly to lawmakers to quell the rebellion.
—Tyler Pager, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
His opposition to further U.S. funding for Ukraine has been particularly contentious, sparking intense debate within Republican ranks and drawing rebuke from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 15 July 2024
The violent protests that began in Nairobi in June appeared to erupt suddenly, a direct response to the government’s proposal of a contentious finance bill the month before.
—Mark Suzman, Foreign Affairs, 11 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for contentious
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contentious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Contentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contentious. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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