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
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
As has become familiar in the U.K. in recent years, this latest change to the immigration system to prevent further arrivals is quite likely in direct contravention of the U.K.’s international refugee and human rights obligations.
—Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 12 Feb. 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
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
As has become familiar in the U.K. in recent years, this latest change to the immigration system to prevent further arrivals is quite likely in direct contravention of the U.K.’s international refugee and human rights obligations.
—Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 12 Feb. 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
-
Both Israel and Hezbollah have traded accusations of ceasefire violations, with a Lebanese journalist, Amal Khalil, killed in an Israeli airstrike just yesterday.—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
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Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Giveaway or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The joint trial, which opened Monday in San Salvador, is the latest in a practice that has been criticized by human rights groups as an infringement of the rights of the accused to defend themselves.—
Marcos Aleman,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Conway was just as skeptical of McMillan’s copyright infringement claim.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contravention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravention. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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