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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contentious
The state scientist union went four years without a contract due to contentious negotiations.
—
William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025
The meeting with the company quickly became contentious.
—Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 15 May 2025
The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s portion of the Trump agenda bill has been among the most contentious.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Most were from the minority Democrats, calling for revision or withdrawal of some of the most contentious provisions of the budget blueprint.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contentious
William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025
The meeting with the company quickly became contentious.
—Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 15 May 2025
The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s portion of the Trump agenda bill has been among the most contentious.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Most were from the minority Democrats, calling for revision or withdrawal of some of the most contentious provisions of the budget blueprint.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentious
Adjective
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Even so, the aggressive play in this post-season has stood out.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
11 May 2025
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However, thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, including predator control programs, habitat restoration, and breeding initiatives, several kiwi species have seen rebounds.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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Rust — The controversial Alec Baldwin movie in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot to death during filming — is a bust in its opening weekend in theaters.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
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Following his controversial decision to play the Lakers’ second-half starters for the entirety of Game 4 — a first in NBA playoff history — Redick defended the decision at his practice media availability and his pre-Game 5 availability.—
Jovan Buha,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the latest missile, but a spokesman for the militant group has said previous launches targeted military facilities in Israel.—
Tamar Michaelis,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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India may also take the stronger step of striking militant groups in Pakistan to satisfy the public’s demand for action.—
Michael Kugelman,
Time,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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And Marguerite did actually manage to live there for years, scraping together a life on the hostile tundra.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
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And this is a very hard-line government that has taken a kind of hostile view of everybody in the region.—
Obed Manuel,
NPR,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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While known for his combative political tone, Trump has often shown a softer side when speaking about his children and grandchildren.—
Emma Marsden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 May 2025
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As for the broader trajectory of U.S. policy, signs point to a less combative tone — at least for now.—
Shannon Carroll,
Quartz,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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It is believed to reduce pain and inflammation, and has been used for treatment of back pain, high blood pressure, arthritis, migraines, and irritable bowel disease.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
4 Apr. 2025
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And even in what was a stilted match played in an increasingly irritable atmosphere, Rogers and Tielemans delivered with an assist each.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentious. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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