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

Derived Forms

• conˈtentiously, adverb
• conˈtentiousness, noun

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

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

Example Sentences

That is something that US senators will keep in mind when they consider Gabbard's nomination, and that is what could make her Senate confirmation process contentious.

From BBC

But several GOP senators have already emphasized the importance of requiring FBI background checks for Trump’s more contentious nominees.

From Los Angeles Times

One of Kuntz’s duties was to represent the league in contentious talks with the players union for a new collective bargaining agreement in 2015.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the most contentious aspects of the bill is the change to ownership rules, which would impact historical mosques, dargahs and graveyards owned by the board.

From BBC

When Lifetime released its contentious “Where Is Wendy Williams?” docuseries earlier this year, the cable channel credited Williams as an executive producer on the project.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antagonistic
• combative
• testy