| adjective | inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits “a style described as abrasive and contentious” |
| adjective | striving to overcome in argument “a dialectical and agonistic approach” |
| adjective | having or showing a ready disposition to fight “bellicose young officers” |
| contention | noun | a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement |
| contentiousness | noun | an inclination to be quarrelsome and contentious |
| dispute | noun | a disagreement or argument about something important |
| dispute | verb | have a disagreement over something |
| litigiousness | noun | a quarrelsome disposition to engage in or carry on lawsuits |
| combativeness | noun | a militant aggressiveness |
| combat | verb | battle or contend against in or as if in a battle |