contentious
- tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome: a contentious crew.
- causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy: contentious issues.
- Law. pertaining to causes between contending or opposing parties.
Origin of contentious
Synonyms for contentious
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for contentious
testy, antagonistic, combative, argumentative, belligerent, disagreeable, factious, perverse, petulant, querulousExamples from the Web for contentious
Contemporary Examples of contentious
A new study released today in Obstetrics & Gynecology could close this contentious question for good.
Arkansas has long had a contentious relationship with alcohol.
It became a model, rarely emulated, of how digital tools can be used to find common ground in a contentious society.
Those that are hesitant about Powell may point to her contentious “resignation” as the first female ambassador to India in March.
The priests conclude that there is common ground on even the most contentious topics that pit science versus spirituality.
Pope Francis Asked ‘Would You Baptize an Alien?’ Here’s the Answer.Barbie Latza Nadeau
September 26, 2014
Historical Examples of contentious
Suppose we call it the contentious or ambitious—would the term be suitable?
The RepublicPlato
There is nothing to indicate that he was contentious by nature.
Hymns and Hymnwriters of DenmarkJens Christian Aaberg
Of the contentious scribes He asked: "What question ye with them?"
Jesus the ChristJames Edward Talmage
Let them beware of the first approach of a contentious spirit.
The Young MaidenA. B. (Artemas Bowers) Muzzey
Then, he was trying not to be too contentious, but was irritated into retorting.
The Trail of the HawkSinclair Lewis
contentious
- tending to argue or quarrel
- causing or characterized by dispute; controversial
- law relating to a cause or legal business that is contested, esp a probate matter
Word Origin and History for contentious
c.1500, from Middle French contentieux, from Latin contentiosus "obstinate, quarrelsome," from contentionem (see contend). Related: Contentiously; contentiousness.