* Formal: The issue of climate change is a contentious one, with strong opinions on both sides.
* Informal: Our family gatherings can get contentious when everyone starts talking politics.
* Specific: The new school board policy was met with contentious debate, as many parents felt their voices were not being heard.
* Figurative: The two candidates engaged in a contentious debate, trading barbs and accusations.
Key points to remember:
* Contentious means "likely to cause disagreement or argument."
* It's often used to describe topics, issues, or situations.
* It can also describe people or their behavior when they are argumentative or prone to conflict.