ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›C›contentious
ISEE/SSAThard
contentious
inclined to argue or provoke disagreement
Synonyms
- argumentative
- quarrelsome
- combative
Antonyms
- agreeable
- cooperative
- peaceable
contentious in a sentence
The contentious senator challenged nearly every statement made during the hearing.
The contentious witness disputed even the simplest questions from the attorney.
Where it comes from
From Latin contentiosus, meaning 'quarrelsome.'
Memory hook
CONTENTIOUS contains CONTEND: contentious people are always ready to contend.
Read it in context
- The Northern Channel History
Practice contentious in the app