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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Kapoor, who had moved from Atlanta to Miami to attend college, faces 10 years or more in prison on the money-laundering and payroll-tax violations.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
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In 2020, longtime TCC instructor and program director Jeff McDonald sued the college for breach of contract, constitutional violations and deprivation of property interests without due process.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
Noun
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But trademark infringement lawsuits can be filed in federal court — a potentially greater deterrent to misuse, because those cases apply nationwide.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
14 May 2026
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Samsung had initially declined to comment, but has now issued a statement denying claims of copyright infringement, trademark infringement and misappropriation of Lipa’s likeness and image.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contravention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravention. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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