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.

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

Even issues that would go on to be more contentious within feminism and outside it—body positivity, trans rights—did crucial work.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

The U.S. remains what it has long been: a contentious, often frustrating democracy shaped by competing interests and imperfect leadership.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Much like in the U.S., immigration is a contentious topic in the Dominican Republic — the country shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, which has seen an exodus of its people over the decade.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

It proved so contentious that Darwin withdrew it from the third edition of the book.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson