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
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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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Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
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In May 2024, Jose Siri tried swinging at Uribe during a dugout-clearing quarrel.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Police found that two adult men had been involved in an altercation when one of the men struck the other multiple times, authorities said.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
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Jurors returned their verdict after several days of testimony from dozens of witnesses, including students who saw the altercation, investigators who handled the case, medical experts, and character witnesses called by the defense.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Noun
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In 2023, Archer settled intellectual property disputes with Boeing and its air taxi unit Wisk, and signed an agreement to collaborate on autonomous tech, and invested in the air taxi maker.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
Carney acknowledged that while the US and Canada have had disputes, the countries have always worked through them, and that a more independent Canada makes the country a better ally.—
Reuters May 28,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Fitzpatrick has pointed to the saloon’s string of viral controversies as a calling card in the crowded race.—
Noah Daly,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
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The controversy escalated after a photo of the students was reported to school officials, who believed the cigars were real, according to the report.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
Noun
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All this negative verbiage stems from disagreements over contracts with Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach and what the sheriff agreed to do.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
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As political disagreements have splintered the nation, Americans of every political persuasion have raised the flag to display pride or protest.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The buddy cops’ zesty chemistry goes out on a high as Detective Campbell and Lieutenant Cole bicker next to ambulance at the film’s end.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
5 June 2026
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As the two team up and prepare to hit the stage — with a cake now decorated with Lili's name — Gary and JoAnne bicker in the audience.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
On the night of May 4, Marenco went into the woman’s room and the argument started over rent money.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
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In New Providence, this new-construction villa makes its argument through finish as much as frontage.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
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Attorneys say Gray intervened in fight Attorneys claim Gray was attempting to break up a fight when Tarver pulled out a gun and shot him.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
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For Ritter, the elevated bar is almost beside the point, because the SpaceX grants differ fundamentally from the Tesla fight.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contretemps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contretemps. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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