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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Recent Examples of fractious
Japan in the late ’60s was a fractious place with riots.
—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
17 June 2026
The circumstances surrounding the exits vary, ranging from routine retirements, campus controversies, personal peccadillos, serious health issues, fractious relationships between campus leaders and governing boards, and visions of greener pastures.
—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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.
—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fractious
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
17 June 2026
The circumstances surrounding the exits vary, ranging from routine retirements, campus controversies, personal peccadillos, serious health issues, fractious relationships between campus leaders and governing boards, and visions of greener pastures.
—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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.
—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fractious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fractious
Adjective
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These groups tackle politically contentious issues like immigration, human rights, and the environment.
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However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.
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 5 Jul. 2026.
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