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.
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2
as in wild
difficult to manage or control
Security guards were overwhelmed by the fractious crowd at the concert.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fractious
But the fractious fights on the right — especially when the president wades into the races — may not be completely solved even when the nominee is selected.
—
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
31 May 2026
The last thing Newcastle wanted was a repeat of Alexander Isak’s slow and fractious defection to Liverpool last year.
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Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Much of the story is driven by Anne and Ginny's complicated and fractious relationship, made even more fraught by the elephant in the room of Nick's estate and a brand new baby on the way.
—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
The city’s population was diverse and fractious, with religious and ethnic groups who spoke Russian, Polish, Belarusian, German, Yiddish, and Hebrew, and often came to blows with one another.
—
Katie Thornton,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fractious
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
31 May 2026
The last thing Newcastle wanted was a repeat of Alexander Isak’s slow and fractious defection to Liverpool last year.
—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Much of the story is driven by Anne and Ginny's complicated and fractious relationship, made even more fraught by the elephant in the room of Nick's estate and a brand new baby on the way.
—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
The city’s population was diverse and fractious, with religious and ethnic groups who spoke Russian, Polish, Belarusian, German, Yiddish, and Hebrew, and often came to blows with one another.
—
Katie Thornton,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fractious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fractious
Adjective
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This is not so different from the Founders’ vision of democracy, in which a federal system with independent, coequal branches of government forces collisions of competing interests that can get contentious, even chaotic, before compromises are forged.
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But with the Turnberry Agreement finally finding its footing, a reopening of wounds and a reignition of a contentious trade battle has likely held little appeal for the EU.
Adjective
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The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department advised anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or other wild animal to promptly clean the wound with soap and water, then contact a physician or go to the emergency room.
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And, speaking of wild, each team had a Max Muncy playing third base and batting seventh.
Adjective
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In a controversial move, the Department of Education last year decided that certain healthcare studies – such as nursing, physician assistants and physical therapy – were not considered professional programs.
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One of the most controversial things to happen in sports over the last five to seven years or so is the introduction of jersey ads.
Adjective
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Femi was defiant as he was interviewed in the ring following his victory.
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Laurie Whitwell Were South Africa unlucky after defiant defensive display?
Adjective
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This could bring about sudden ideas, or trigger rebellious impulses and creative imagination.
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In 2000 at age 15, he was sent to live in Australia with a host family because his father thought Zhang was too rebellious to stay in China.
Adjective
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Iran’s new leaders are acutely aware that Iranians remain restive and expect the government to ease their economic plight.
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However, while voters are restive and angry, this ungovernability cannot all be blamed on them.
Adjective
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Value meets vision as the willful Sun activates your 2nd House of Finances in a quincunx to intense Pluto in your 9th House of Exploration.
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There is the willful weakness of Congress, the overblown power of the Supreme Court and the improbability of new Constitutional amendments.
Adjective
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If these requirements are not met, the search is unreasonable and therefore unlawful, and evidence obtained in that search cannot be used in court, barring a good-faith exception.
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Justices ruled that sweeping use of cellphone data requires a warrant, a decision applying the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, to new technology.
Cite this Entry
“Fractious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fractious. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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