All words

contentious

Meaning

Tending to provoke disagreement or debate; likely to cause disputes.

Examples by difficulty

Basic: Simple, everyday vocabulary — the easiest to read.

The meeting grew tense when the most contentious topic came up. Everyone had strong opinions, and voices got louder as they argued. Since this subject was likely to cause disagreement or argument, people started to take sides, making it hard for anyone to understand each other.

The new park rules were highly contentious. Parents grumbled about the early closing times, while others argued it would keep teenagers from loitering. Everyone had a strong opinion, and no one could agree.

The family reunion quickly turned sour when Uncle Mike brought up politics. His loud comments about the election created a contentious atmosphere, and cousins who normally got along started arguing. Everyone shifted uncomfortably in their seats, sensing the growing tension around the dinner table.

At the family picnic, picking the best kind of potato salad became a very contentious topic. Aunt Edna screamed, “Mustard is the only way!” while Uncle Joe threw his fork and shouted, “No, it’s mayo or bust!” Soon, the squirrels were the only ones eating peacefully.

The debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza is truly contentious. Some folks gasp dramatically, while others cheer, ready to duel with pepperoni. It's a food fight that never ends, with cheese flying and tempers flaring over fruity toppings!

Normal: Standard, everyday language.

The contentious issue of whether or not to allow dogs in the park sparked heated debates among the community members. Some argued that dogs should be allowed as long as they were on a leash, while others believed they should be banned altogether. The contentious nature of the discussions ultimately led to a vote to determine the park's pet policy.

The meeting room was filled with a contentious atmosphere. As the team members presented their proposals, tempers flared and disagreements erupted from every corner. Accusations flew and voices rose, each participant adamant that their ideas were superior. It was clear that this was a topic that would likely cause a great deal of argument and disagreement.

The air in the abandoned house was thick with tension, the atmosphere fraught with a sense of impending doom. The group of friends huddled together, their whispers growing louder as they approached the contentious room at the end of the hallway. The door creaked open, revealing a scene that sent shivers down their spines. Blood splattered the walls, a gruesome tableau of violence that left them speechless. It was clear that whatever had happened here was something so horrific, so unsettling, that it was sure to be contentious among those who dared to speak of it.

The contentious beast lurked in the shadows, its eyes glowing crimson. Every step it took sent shivers down my spine, the ground trembling beneath its monstrous weight. The acrid stench of decay permeated the air, a reminder of its deadly purpose. As it approached, I felt a surge of icy fear, knowing that any attempt to escape this nightmare would be futile.

The village square was bustling with activity as the townspeople gathered to hear the results of the annual harvest competition. The tension in the air was palpable, as many knew that this year's winner would be particularly contentious. The judges had a difficult decision to make, as the crops were all exceptional. As the mayor took the stage to announce the winner, the crowd held their breath. When he finally declared the Smith family as the champions, a wave of applause and cheers erupted. Despite the contentious nature of the competition, the sense of community and camaraderie prevailed.

Advanced: Richer vocabulary that stretches an upper-level reader.

The meeting quickly grew tense when the most contentious issue was raised. People spoke over each other and faces turned red as voices rose. It was clear that everyone had strong opinions, and this topic was likely to cause disagreement or argument every time it was mentioned.

The zoning proposal was incredibly contentious, sparking furious debate at the town hall. Neighbors argued vehemently over the proposed development, their voices rising with each new objection, the atmosphere thick with their shared, opposing viewpoints.

At the family reunion, Uncle Tom's political views sparked another contentious debate. Cousins rolled their eyes and grandparents shifted uncomfortably as he launched into a heated argument, voices rising and tensions mounting around the dinner table.

Every Thanksgiving, Uncle Bob brings up the contentious topic of whether pineapple belongs on pizza, which is likely to cause disagreement or argument among the family. By dessert, half the table threatens exile, and the other half desperately clings to their slices, defending their choices with wild-eyed passion.

The council meeting to decide if squirrels should wear tiny hats was predictably contentious. Proponents argued it would boost tourism, while opponents decried it as anthropomorphic overreach, leading to a spirited debate about acorn taxation and existential nut security.

Challenging: Rare, high-register vocabulary for serious word lovers.

The decision to change the school’s traditional uniform proved contentious among parents, many of whom expressed strong opinions at the meeting. Some advocated passionately for modern updates, while others insisted on preserving the status quo, creating an atmosphere filled with dispute and palpable tension.

The zoning proposal, a truly contentious issue, ignited a firestorm of opposition at the town hall. Residents vehemently debated the potential impact on neighborhood character, their voices a cacophony of escalating discontent.

The town hall meeting erupted in heated exchanges as residents debated the proposed zoning changes. The contentious proposal to build a new shopping center near residential streets quickly divided neighbors, with passionate arguments emerging from both supporters and opponents.

During the family reunion, discussion of Uncle Marvin’s peculiar toupee quickly became contentious, as opinions on its authenticity were likely to cause disagreement or argument—Grandma swore it was a raccoon in disguise, while cousin Sheila insisted it glided in with the last windstorm.

The village's annual rhubarb pie competition had become a particularly contentious affair. Last year's victor, a flamboyant baker with an ostentatious beret, was accused of illicitly employing anchovy paste for an umami bomb, a culinary transgression that riled the other contestants and precipitated a veritable brouhaha.

Difficulty

Normal — Everyday words worth reinforcing.

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