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
Historical precedents, including Wilson’s own contentious governorship, suggest that not all politicians thrive in executive roles.
—
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
The cap, which the City Council approved 5-4 after a long and contentious public hearing, attempts to close a loophole in the city’s backyard apartment incentive — the most aggressive of its kind in California.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
The justices still have a handful of cases remaining before breaking for their summer recess, many of which will indeed be contentious and include vigorous dissents.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025
The contentious professional relationship between billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has seemingly come to an end.
—Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contentious
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
The cap, which the City Council approved 5-4 after a long and contentious public hearing, attempts to close a loophole in the city’s backyard apartment incentive — the most aggressive of its kind in California.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
The justices still have a handful of cases remaining before breaking for their summer recess, many of which will indeed be contentious and include vigorous dissents.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025
The contentious professional relationship between billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has seemingly come to an end.
—Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentious
Adjective
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But the Cubs and Yankees will likely be much more aggressive in pursuing him than the Brewers will.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
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Cross-examination of the victims’ two surviving roommates will likely be aggressive, especially of Dylan Mortensen.—
Jean Casarez,
CNN Money,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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The other shoe dropped with an unsettling thud recently when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt openly gay-bashed in defense of her controversial boss.—
Louis Balsamo,
Baltimore Sun,
25 June 2025
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However, the Trump administration did briefly propose a controversial 100% tariff on films made abroad to discourage runaway production.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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The Islamic State militant group (ISIS) operates both east and west of Iran and has also stepped up operations within the Islamic Republic itself, having claimed the deadliest operation in the nation's post-revolutionary history in January 2024.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
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Bondi also shared that over 1,000 Iranian nationals have entered the country illegally in recent years and said law enforcement agencies are actively investigating them for possible ties to foreign militant groups.—
Elaine Mallon,
The Washington Examiner,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Guzman’s book was used as a common reader by several universities in 2024, reflecting ongoing concerns about the often hostile, partisan gaps that have roiled many campuses in recent years.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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In the five years since the events of Jurassic World Dominion, many of the dinosaurs and other formerly extinct creatures that were set free into the world have died off, unable to survive in the modern climate and otherwise hostile environments.—
Maureen Lee Lenker Published,
EW.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Johnson told me that many of his patients are now skeptical of his advice, if not openly combative.—
Benjamin Mazer,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2025
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Opening the doors for real, meaningful interactions will be essential for both sides to gain a clearer and more complete understanding of one another, ensuring a less combative future.—
Zichen Wang,
semafor.com,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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But a new wrench is thrown into the works in the form of an irritable downstairs neighbor.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
27 June 2025
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When a muscle is injured or put under extra stress, myofascial trigger points—basically, irritable spots in the muscle—can form and cause pain.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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