CONTENTIOUSNESS Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

contentiousness

noun

Definition of contentiousness

as in aggression

an inclination to fight or quarrel his natural tendency towards contentiousness made him a poor choice for a diplomatic post

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of contentiousness Despite their contentiousness, the candidates agreed on most major policy issues. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 17 June 2026 Then there is the lifelong contentiousness with her mother, Marluce Martins Perry, a talented Brazilian artist who reluctantly traded her gifts and status for matrimony and child-rearing and resented her family in the wake of her decision. — A.d. Amorosi, SPIN, 4 May 2026 The theme of the contentiousness was that the Bengals didn’t have interest in offering any long-term guarantees that were a priority to the 31-year-old. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 Reinecke attributed some of the contentiousness to a conflict between economic development and historic preservation. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentiousness

Noun

Large sections of chairs in the hall were empty as delegations filed out in protest of Iranian aggression.

— Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
These sensual glimmers are no match for the antagonistic sociality of straight male relationships, which, in this novel, quickly convert sympathy or desire into rivalry and aggression.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

Stunned at first by his opponent’s aggressiveness and the onslaught of personal attacks, Ted trains himself to withstand the barrages and to respond in kind.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Indeed, heads quickly began to turn as the Chicago Bears defensive tackle showed no fear and an abundance of aggressiveness.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of aggressiveness

Noun

The two sides reached an interim agreement in June and committed to trying to reach a final deal within 60 days, but the deadline passed after hostilities resumed.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
Rohingya have faced growing public hostility in Malaysia due to their growing numbers, fueled by concerns over jobs, public services and security.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Transport second Warning signs of heat stroke include dizziness, headache, nausea, severe fatigue, and can include confusion, combativeness or potential loss of consciousness, Casa says.

— Scott Neuman, NPR, 29 July 2026
But there is a far more important influence Dobeš can have on this series than his combativeness, and that is his puckhandling.

— Sean Gentille, New York Times, 23 May 2026

Definition of combativeness

Browse Nearby Words

contentious

contentiousness

contentment

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“Contentiousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentiousness. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contentiousness

noun

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