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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 contravention
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
This was in contravention to a U.S. government moratorium on such research at the time.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 3 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
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
This was in contravention to a U.S. government moratorium on such research at the time.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 3 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
-
The most common template for an insider trading violation is as follows.—
Samidh Guha,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
-
In Chicago, the indelible image of a pastor in a clerical collar shot in the head with a pepper ball by agents standing on the rooftop of an ICE building is a direct violation of CBP’s use of force policy.—
Andy Rose 19 hr ago,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Also this week, a former paralegal was acquitted after hurling a sandwich at a federal agent in August; Sabzi, a deli in Cornwall, England, is alleging that author Yasmin Khan’s new cookbook with the same name is trademark infringement; and more.—
Li Goldstein,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Policymakers should make clear that copyright applies whether infringement is committed by a human or by code.—
Gerard Scimeca,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contravention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravention. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share