View synonyms for contentious

contentious

[ kuhn-ten-shuhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome:
a contentious crew.
Synonyms: argumentative, disputatious
causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy:
contentious issues.
Law. pertaining to causes between contending or opposing parties.

contentious

/ kənˈtɛnʃəs /

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

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

A new study released today in Obstetrics & Gynecology could close this contentious question for good.

It was the first case brought under the Voting Rights Act, so the hearing proved contentious.

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.

Opposed to the Brachmanes there are philosophers, called Pramnæ, contentious people, and fond of argument.

"A man shouldn't speak more than twice in his first session, and not at first on too contentious a topic," said Sir Edward.

Possessing a high tempered and somewhat contentious nature, Giberne was involved in numerous sharp controversies.

With unbounded wealth and means of enjoyment, they grew ennuyéed, discontented, and finally contentious.

What but jealousy could give a man that sore contentious wish for the detail of what would make him suffer?

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