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.

While “Drag Race” is no longer a niche program, the art of drag remains contentious, and giving a wide release to a film like this is both confident and dicey.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

The process to build Venice Dell has been extraordinarily contentious — even in a state where development is often time-consuming and litigious.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Department officials have emphasized in recent days that, even without the contentious fund, they have the authority—and an uncapped source of money—to settle lawsuits against the federal government as they see fit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

In February, Aston Villa had a goal disallowed against Brentford in contentious circumstances when it was unclear if the ball had gone out.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

The term ‘relativism’ is contentious, but I use it, rather than ‘constructivism’, because I want to refer to those who hold that reality does not constrain the beliefs we can hold about the real world.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton