contretemps

noun

ˈkän-trə-ˌtäⁿ How to pronounce contretemps (audio)
Definition of contretempsnext
as in quarrel
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions there was a bit of a contretemps over the seating arrangements for the upcoming wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contretemps Moore’s personal biography – despite these minor contretemps – proved more than compelling enough for Maryland voters. — Peniel E. Joseph, CNN, 9 Nov. 2022 To outsiders, the summer’s weeks-long contretemps over the prime minister’s after-hours activities might seem like a tempest in a Nordic teapot. — Michael Hunt, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2022 The Dallas visit avoided the contretemps of the Washington portion of the trip. — Dallas News, 2 June 2022 The normally dignified sport had a brief contretemps at the time of the opening game this year. — New York Times, 1 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for contretemps
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contretemps
  1. quarrel
  2. altercation
  3. dispute
  4. controversy
  5. disagreement
  6. argument
  7. fight
  8. imbroglio
Noun
  • The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike Christian priests and medicine men, who generally command respect, rainmakers are sometimes seen as malicious people who retaliate against whole communities for quarrels with their neighbors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of quarrel
Noun
  • One of Bonner's friends appeared to get into an argument with the third man as the second male friend attempted to hold him back from an altercation.
    — Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Chicago Alderman Michelle Harris said at Sunday's community vigil that the suspect had allegedly gotten into an altercation with staff at a wireless store in the Chatham neighborhood just before the fatal stabbing, WLS reported.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of altercation
Noun
  • Seaver’s dispute with Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager and the sole manager of She’s Alive LLC, first spilled into public view when Nozell sued him last month and sought the restraining order.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Sentara Health, a hospital system in Virginia with more than $14 billion of revenue, recently went through a contract dispute with Anthem, the health plan owned by Elevance Health.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • The subject was not about his arrest, nor the resulting controversy consuming the Wolverine’s football program.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The homecoming reignited controversy over conditions endured during the unusually long deployment and reports of multiple sailors attempting suicide.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of controversy
Noun
  • The theory does not turn every workplace disagreement or questionable management decision into a wrongful-termination case.
    — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But disagreement within one court does not establish a split between appeals courts.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of disagreement
Noun
  • The high court will hear oral arguments on the case, but not until December, meaning a decision will come next year.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Appellant's pro se motion for oral argument and appointment of counsel.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • In July, the music artist and producer spent some solo time after getting into a prison fight, sources told TMZ and NBC News.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, Smithsonian leaders are turning to AI to better understand items in its collection tied to the fight that led to the country’s founding.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • At the heart of this imbroglio unfolds a gallery of colorful characters, all revolving around an ultra-charismatic art dealer.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Others, like the Charlie's Angels set imbroglio, stemmed from personality clashes and behind-the-scenes behavior.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
Definition of imbroglio

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Cite this Entry

“Contretemps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contretemps. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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