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Definitions

bone of contention

NOUN
difference of opinion
Synonyms
WEAK
altercation apple of discord argument beef conflict controversy debate disagreement dispute grounds for war issue matter at hand point in question problem sore point tender spot

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.

One bone of contention: proposed studio units that he and some other local business owners say their workers neither want nor need.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

In Sudan, another bone of contention between the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia and the United States handed a new ceasefire proposal to Sudan's army, a government source told AFP this week.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

This has been a bone of contention with me and is an immediate turn-off.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 24, 2025

For many sub-postmasters, the continued employment of people who investigated them or were at the Post Office at the height of the scandal is a bone of contention.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2024

The remaining bone of contention is a thorn in his side and an albatross around his neck.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner