1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
the Tartars were a contentious people who terrorized much of Asia and eastern Europe during the Middle Ages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controversial
given to arguing
a tiresomely contentious person who likes to argue for the sake of arguing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in difficult
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
gun control is likely to be a contentious subject in any group discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of contentious
Taylor and Mortensen have been engaged in a contentious, high-profile legal battle after a pair of investigations were launched by Utah police departments in February into allegations that each acted violently during altercations that month.
—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
But Kavanaugh also made a plea for respect for the transgender athletes who have been at the center of the contentious national debate.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Also contentious was last year’s jailing of former Trade Minister Thomas Lembong over sugar import permits a decade ago despite no evidence of personal financial gain.
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Chandra Asmara,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is in the firing line after some contentious calls — particularly after recalling veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from international retirement just before the tournament after months of denials.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contentious
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
But Kavanaugh also made a plea for respect for the transgender athletes who have been at the center of the contentious national debate.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Also contentious was last year’s jailing of former Trade Minister Thomas Lembong over sugar import permits a decade ago despite no evidence of personal financial gain.
—
Chandra Asmara,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is in the firing line after some contentious calls — particularly after recalling veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from international retirement just before the tournament after months of denials.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contentious
Adjective
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The goal is gentle smoke and indirect heat rather than aggressive flames.
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Right now, the multi-trillion-dollar global apparel industry is undergoing an aggressive technological shift, adopting artificial intelligence as a production standard rather than an experimental pilot.
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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Sarah Buck, Chicago Driving has become harder The rapid increase in bike lanes has made driving much more difficult and tedious, with numerous delays due to many streets being reduced to one lane in busy areas.
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Republican strategists have welcomed those nominations as an opening for attack in a difficult election year.
Adjective
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Yet Piker himself has followed the DSA’s militant line, repeatedly praising authoritarian regimes such as China’s, Cuba’s, and Russia’s, as well as terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
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There are also concerns that fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon could escalate once more and derail future talks.
Adjective
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Now, in the 1500s and 1600s, that phrase was often used by Catholics in their polemical war against Protestants.
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Tarring someone with the pedant brush is polemical, of course.
Adjective
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And until a Black commentator is held responsible for making openly hostile remarks about White people, nothing will change.
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For example, in March, the crypto exchange Kraken put its multibillion‑dollar IPO on hold amid hostile market conditions, according to CoinDesk.
Adjective
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There's a confrontational moment between Tom and Mary for the first time.
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Others could find your go-getter approach refreshing, while some may experience it as confrontational.
Adjective
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The release says a 29-year-old man became combative with first responders, and a paramedic shot him.
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Too good to be a benchwarmer, in a starting line-up, the Brazilian’s all-action qualities may align best with Rice to give Arsenal another combative and forward-thinking option in their engine room.
Cite this Entry
“Contentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contentious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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