con·ten·tious 
/kənˈtɛnʃəs/ adjective
/kənˈtɛnʃəs/ adjective [more contentious; most contentious] 1 a : likely to cause people to argue or disagree
▪ I think it's wise to avoid such a highly contentious [=controversial] topic/issue at a dinner party.
b : involving a lot of arguing
▪ After a contentious debate, members of the committee finally voted to approve the funding. ▪ They have a contentious relationship. [=they argue with each other a lot] 2 : likely or willing to argue
▪ a contentious student ▪ The dispute involves one of the region's most contentious leaders.
▪ I think it's wise to avoid such a highly contentious [=controversial] topic/issue at a dinner party.
b : involving a lot of arguing
▪ After a contentious debate, members of the committee finally voted to approve the funding. ▪ They have a contentious relationship. [=they argue with each other a lot]
▪ a contentious student ▪ The dispute involves one of the region's most contentious leaders.
— con·ten·tious·ly adverb
— con·ten·tious·ness noun [noncount]
