contentious

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.

But by 1991, Cynthia and Gonzalez were locked in a contentious custody dispute for their daughter, recalled another friend, Michelle Feigenbaum, who met Cynthia on the local entertainment circuit.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Sweeping contentious issues under the rug and relegating them to wanton aggravation is one major way of letting these same topics fester.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Red card confusion & contentious calls - VAR's 'bad day at office'

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Burdell, an upscale restaurant serving nostalgic soul food, is the latest to be caught in contentious online debates about the U.S. tip culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

It is the beauty of small areas of order—a large yard, a group of trees, three similar dormitories, a circle of old houses—living together in contentious harmony.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles