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
  • Producer Kang Jeongwon was struck by the film’s central contradiction, that a fight to protect a family can upend its daily life.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Choudri also made headlines earlier this year after the authority put him on leave after police arrested him at his Folsom home following a fight between his daughter and fiancée.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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