Contentious
hardkun-TEN-shus
adjective
Definition
Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial
Examples
“Abortion is a contentious issue in many societies.”
“The contentious meeting ended without agreement.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Contentious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "controversial" or "disputatious" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "uncontroversial".
Related GRE Words
polarizing
Dividing into sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
abscond
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution
ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
abstemious
Moderate in eating and drinking; self-restrained
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