Contentious

/kənˈtɛn.ʃəs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

The proposed law has become a contentious issue among local residents.

Involving a lot of disagreements and arguments.

Her contentious remarks at the debate sparked outrage among the audience.

Marked by or likely to produce a contentious situation.

The contentious nature of the negotiations led to prolonged discussions.

Of, relating to, or characterized by argument or controversy.

The professor is known for his contentious theories in the field of sociology.

Late Middle English: from Latin contentious- 'striving, quarrelsome', from contendere 'to contend'.

contentious issue

A subject that is likely to cause disagreement.

contentious debate

A discussion characterized by strong disagreement.

contentious relationship

A relationship marked by conflict and disputes.

contention

A heated argument or disagreement.

contentiousness

The tendency to cause disputes.

contend

To assert or maintain an opinion in argument.

A heated argument or fight over a topic.

That topic is so contentious; it turned the meeting into a brawl.

Someone who always stirs up disagreement.

He's such a contentious person, always looking for a fight over nothing.