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

Secondly, contested notions of fairness are so often central to the most contentious political arguments, and this one is no different.

From BBC

Certain picks have proven contentious and may face obstacles.

From BBC

However, using this type of burning, known as cultural burning, for managing severe wildfires in Australia remains contentious.

From Science Daily

Schiff’s contentious relationship with Trump — and Trump’s disdain for him — stem directly from Schiff’s work in the House to hold the Republican accountable before and during his first term in office.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antagonistic
• combative
• testy