contretemps

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.

These two ladies seem far too alike not to arrive at a contretemps, which they quickly do.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

However, as has been seen in recent years, the inherent clash of personalities there does break out into the open sometimes, especially when they have an on-track contretemps.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2024

When Mr. Wicker and some colleagues threatened to resign, Mr. Sulzberger withdrew the proposed appointment, and the widely publicized contretemps ended with bruised feelings all around.

From New York Times • May 20, 2024

Beyond that contretemps, there is a second possible dispute that may be headed to the court of appeals shortly.

From Slate • Feb. 20, 2024

“Yes, huh, yes there was a small, a little contretemps at the tree.”

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles