1
as in contentious
given to disagreement or irritation
At the end of what was a fractious campaign, the two former rivals were surprisingly able to settle some of their differences and work together.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wild
difficult to manage or control
Security guards were overwhelmed by the fractious crowd at the concert.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 fractious
Post-retreat, Johnson’s hopes of uniting the fractious GOP conference around a plan and his timeline appear dashed, writes The Hill’s Mychael Schnell.
—
Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 30 Jan. 2025
While friction on the trade front has been heating up, overall relations are somewhat less fractious.
—Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Its autocratic government brooks no dissent so decision-making should be easier than in fractious America and decisions should stick longer.
—Bob Davis, Time, 12 Apr. 2025
For those who, against all evidence to the contrary, dismiss these ambitions as mere delusions, that's exactly what the British Empire—the mightiest global force of its day—said when 13 fractious colonies issued the Declaration of Independence almost 250 years ago this July.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fractious
Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 30 Jan. 2025
While friction on the trade front has been heating up, overall relations are somewhat less fractious.
—Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Its autocratic government brooks no dissent so decision-making should be easier than in fractious America and decisions should stick longer.
—Bob Davis, Time, 12 Apr. 2025
For those who, against all evidence to the contrary, dismiss these ambitions as mere delusions, that's exactly what the British Empire—the mightiest global force of its day—said when 13 fractious colonies issued the Declaration of Independence almost 250 years ago this July.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fractious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fractious
Adjective
-
The implementation was originally blocked in federal court and sparked a contentious legal back-and-forth.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Some of his actions have been highly contentious, including his decision to deport migrants to an El Salvadorian prison using an 18th century wartime statute — which was subject to legal challenges.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This ferocious, steep-banked corner possesses a wild 24% gradient, a nod to Spain’s bullfighting heritage.—
Kanzah Maktoum,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Niemann, a grandmaster, beat Carlsen in an upset in a 2022 match, leading Carlsen to withdraw from the tournament and setting off wild speculation about whether Niemann could have cheated, though no such allegations were ever proven.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, the Steelers have made their decision on Sanders, and elected to pass on the controversial Colorado star.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Her appointment is the latest wrinkle in the ongoing legal dispute over Castillo’s controversial removal from office on Feb. 18, when the results of the city’s residency investigation were revealed to civic leaders in a closed-door meeting.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News host, was defiant in remarks to reporters earlier Monday.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2025
-
But when asked about the lack of norms and decorum in the current political climate and whether Democrats need to play on the same level, Himes was defiant.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.—
Nazanin Lankarani,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Pakistani forces raid militant hideouts PESHAWAR, Pakistan -- Pakistan's security forces raided two militant hideouts in the country's restive northwest on Saturday, triggering gunbattles that left at least two soldiers and nine militants dead, the military said in a statement.—
Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports,
arkansasonline.com,
14 Mar. 2025
-
In the summer of 1884, the Knights of Labor began organizing restive Union Pacific workers, encouraging them to walk off the job.—
Michael Luo,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Court records also show Mabry, of Oakland, has two prior felony convictions: second-degree robbery in February 2013 and evading an officer with willful disregard for public safety in June 2022.—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2025
-
The second is either a massive misjudgment or another example of willful deception.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Courts will not second-guess the safety measures employers adopt, even when those measures infringe on an employee’s privacy, unless the measures are unreasonable under the circumstances.—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Companies need to assess their higher costs, and then negotiate with the state regulators who try to protect ratepayers from unreasonable hikes.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fractious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fractious. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share