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

During a contentious spousal support dispute in 2025, Hirschi described the “Everybody Hates Chris” veteran as “semi-retired,” Us Weekly reported in February.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 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

Protesters said they are motivated by contentious immigration enforcement actions and the war in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

The whole issue of Santa Claus is a rather contentious one when it comes to African Christmas, a matter of pride.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah