contretemps

noun

ˈkän-trə-ˌtäⁿ How to pronounce contretemps (audio)
Definition of contretempsnext
as in quarrel
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions there was a bit of a contretemps over the seating arrangements for the upcoming wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 contretemps Moore’s personal biography – despite these minor contretemps – proved more than compelling enough for Maryland voters. — Peniel E. Joseph, CNN, 9 Nov. 2022 To outsiders, the summer’s weeks-long contretemps over the prime minister’s after-hours activities might seem like a tempest in a Nordic teapot. — Michael Hunt, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2022 The Dallas visit avoided the contretemps of the Washington portion of the trip. — Dallas News, 2 June 2022 The normally dignified sport had a brief contretemps at the time of the opening game this year. — New York Times, 1 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for contretemps
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contretemps
  1. quarrel
  2. altercation
  3. dispute
  4. controversy
  5. disagreement
  6. argument
  7. fight
  8. imbroglio
Noun
  • Aly’s quarrel begins with a name; Luna’s arrives at the rank implied by father.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of quarrel
Noun
  • The airline confirmed the flight from LAX landed at JFK ahead of schedule with no additional impacts, at which time law enforcement responded to reports of the altercation.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In 2023, Greenlaw was ejected following a sideline altercation with Philadelphia Eagles head of security Dom DiSandro during another incident along the opponent's sideline.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of altercation
Noun
  • Several other important artifacts of Mexica origin that have been part of repatriation disputes are also currently housed at the Weltmuseum.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The dispute emerged as a rare point of overt contention in last week’s bankruptcy hearing, which was dominated by the news that golfer Jon Rahm would be parting ways with the LIV Golf.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • The new concealer was originally launched as the Wide Awake Brightening Concealer alongside the Wide Awake Brightening Neutralizer, but ran into controversy just days after launch.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026
  • CoreWeave’s vast debt pile has been the subject of controversy in the past.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of controversy
Noun
  • Dispute turns personal The confrontation grew out of a political disagreement over a proposal to extend term limits for Miami Gardens council members.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
  • There’s not really a lot of disagreement about values and principles.
    — John E. McDonough, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of disagreement
Noun
  • But Lugo concurred with Teymouri’s argument that the family’s extreme wealth and potential risk of flight required her to set a high bail.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The argument is designed to provide cover for the dehumanizing policies of the administration against immigrants and their families.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Russia's heavy bombardment of the power grid ahead of winter has been an annual feature of the war, aimed at wearing down Ukraine's appetite for the fight by denying civilians heat and running water.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Russia’s heavy bombardment of the power grid ahead of winter has been an annual feature of the war, aimed at wearing down Ukraine’s appetite for the fight by denying civilians heat and running water.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • At the heart of this imbroglio unfolds a gallery of colorful characters, all revolving around an ultra-charismatic art dealer.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Others, like the Charlie's Angels set imbroglio, stemmed from personality clashes and behind-the-scenes behavior.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
Definition of imbroglio

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Cite this Entry

“Contretemps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contretemps. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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