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View synonyms for contentious

contentious

[ kuhn-ten-shuhs ]

adjective

  1. tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome:

    a contentious crew.

    Synonyms: argumentative, disputatious

  2. causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy:

    contentious issues.

  3. Law. pertaining to causes between contending or opposing parties.


contentious

/ kənˈtɛnʃəs /

adjective

  1. tending to argue or quarrel
  2. causing or characterized by dispute; controversial
  3. law relating to a cause or legal business that is contested, esp a probate matter
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • conˈtentiously, adverb
  • conˈtentiousness, noun
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Other Words From

  • con·tentious·ly adverb
  • con·tentious·ness noun
  • noncon·tentious adjective
  • noncon·tentious·ly adverb
  • over·con·tentious adjective
  • over·con·tentious·ly adverb
  • over·con·tentious·ness noun
  • uncon·tentious adjective
  • uncon·tentious·ly adverb
  • uncon·tentious·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of contentious1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English contenciose, from Latin contentiōsus, from contenti(ō) contention + -ōsus -ous
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Example Sentences

Colbert pointed to years of a contentious relationship between the two men.

Colbert pointed out Rubio's newfound loyalty to Trump after years of a contentious relationship.

From Salon

The comment led to a firestorm of criticism, not entirely unexpected as the mosque-temple dispute has been one of the most contentious and religiously polarising issues in modern India.

From BBC

Things with Jackson are less contentious now, she says.

The bill has been a contentious issue in Florida and Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has thrown all his political power into ensuring it doesn't pass.

From Salon

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contentioncontentive