as in violation
a failure to uphold the requirements of law, duty, or obligation
a clandestine weapons program that was a contravention of the international arms agreement
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Recent Examples of contravention
Trump today is attempting something unprecedented that stands in contravention of all historical tradition in the United States: the brutal application of federal forces against a state and region with no apparent reason beyond its being led by members of the political opposition.
—
Garrett M. Graff, Wired News, 25 Jan. 2026
This modus operandi is a direct contravention of Gallifrey's strict non-interference policies.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 June 2025
But they can’t be imposed capriciously, in fits of pique or in direct contravention of our laws.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
In a contravention of international law, Israel subjects Palestinians living under its rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to what is in effect martial law.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contravention
Garrett M. Graff, Wired News, 25 Jan. 2026
This modus operandi is a direct contravention of Gallifrey's strict non-interference policies.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 June 2025
But they can’t be imposed capriciously, in fits of pique or in direct contravention of our laws.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
In a contravention of international law, Israel subjects Palestinians living under its rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to what is in effect martial law.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contravention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contravention
Noun
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Barbara Goodman, the assistant administrator, stated that Awana—the behavioral health company run through Glory to God (GTG)—received a 30-day Medicaid termination notice in May without explanation, despite never being audited or receiving a violation.—
Morgan Rynor,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
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Citing violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, Williams issued a preliminary injunction ordering the closure of Alligator Alcatraz within 60 days.—
Eric Schlosser,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment sued Suno (and its competitor Udio) in 2024 for copyright infringement.—
Corbin Bolies,
Variety,
3 June 2026
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The major music companies sued in 2024 on allegations of massive copyright infringement from the world’s biggest’s artists and songwriters, though Warner Music Group had announced last November a settlement and new partnership with the company.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contravention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravention. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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