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
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Example Sentences
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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
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
Noun
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Two men were hospitalized early Sunday after a quarrel turned into a shootout on the 79th Street Red Line platform along the Dan Ryan Expressway.—
Dylan Olsen,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
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Herro posted a photo of that autographed Durant jersey on his Instagram on Sunday, acknowledging his respect for Durant hours after Saturday’s quarrel.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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According to investigators, what began as an argument between individuals quickly escalated into a physical altercation and ended with gunfire.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
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Police said a large group of people were at the location when there was an altercation in the parking lot, leading to the shooting.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Anderson has countersued and accused Burkle of smearing his reputation amid a separate business dispute.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
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Burkle alleges that Anderson stopped paying him in 2014 after becoming angry with him over an unspecified personal dispute, the complaint states.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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House Speaker Mike Johnson, facing a historically slim GOP majority in the chamber, has only cautiously touched on the controversy in recent weeks.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
5 Mar. 2026
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To say Born’s win was mired in controversy would be an understatement.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In human relationships, empathy often involves recognizing differences, navigating disagreement, and testing assumptions about reality.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
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When disagreements arise, acknowledge everyone’s different points of view before jumping to defend your ideas.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And that’s just one of a litany of things on and off the field that the two bicker over.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
15 Jan. 2026
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Of course, some of those party guests already know each other, like Morgan, Sasha, and Esther, and the latter two bicker beforehand about how to best approach the Morgan-sized elephant in the room.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There have also been arguments that having more daylight hours benefits public safety and health.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
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According to initial police reports, dozens of people were inside the bar attending a party when an argument broke out between some attendees.—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Seizures, fights also reported on calls Most of the 911 calls were made by the camp’s contract medical staff.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Pinkston player Charles Riley (12) and Kimball player Kayden Gray (00) fight to control the ball during a Kimball High School versus Pinkston High School boys basketball playoff game at the Ellis Davis Field House in Dallas, Texas, on Mar 6, 2026.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contretemps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contretemps. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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