| a. | 1. | Fond of contention; given to angry debate; provoking dispute or contention; quarrelsome. | |||
| 2. | Relating to contention or strife; involving or characterized by contention. | ||||
| 3. | (Law) Contested; litigated; litigious; having power to decide controversy.
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| Adj. | 1. | contentious - inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits; "a style described as abrasive and contentious"; "a disputatious lawyer"; "a litigious and acrimonious spirit" |
| 2. | contentious - involving or likely to cause controversy; "a central and contentious element of the book"- Tim W.Ferfuson | |
| 3. | contentious - having or showing a ready disposition to fight; "bellicose young officers"; "a combative impulse"; "a contentious nature" |