Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

contravention

American  
[kon-truh-ven-shuhn] / ˌkɒn trəˈvɛn ʃən /

noun

  1. an act of contravening; action counter to something; violation or opposition.


Etymology

Origin of contravention

1570–80; contravene + -tion; compare Middle French contrevention

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

But what he was saying and doing was in complete contravention of a sensitive agreement that seeks to maintain the peace at one of the most holy and emotionally charged places on Earth.

From BBC Jun. 17, 2026

“The conduct by these individuals alleged in the indictment is a contravention of the company’s policies and compliance controls, including efforts to circumvent applicable export-control laws and regulations,” Super Micro said in a statement.

From MarketWatch Mar. 19, 2026

Griffin acknowledged withholding information from a Chicago-based attorney who was assisting Girardi’s firm with the case, in contravention of Durkin’s order and despite the clients’ repeated inquiries and demands for the money.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 5, 2026

And at least one time, the government deported a noncitizen in direct contravention of a court order forbidding that deportation.

From Slate Feb. 19, 2026

Any contravention of this rule would involve a breach of the 5th Amendment of the Federal Constitution, which provides that “no person ... shall be ... deprived of ... property, without due process of law.”

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training