What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contention
Example
There was a lot of contention between the two political parties during the debate. [contention: noun]
Example
The contention over the budget led to a heated argument among the board members. [contention: noun]
conflict
Example
The conflict between the two countries lasted for years and resulted in many casualties. [conflict: noun]
Example
The two coworkers had a conflict over the project's direction. [conflict: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conflict is more commonly used than contention in everyday language. Conflict is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while contention is less common and often used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contention and conflict?
While contention is typically associated with a formal tone, conflict can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
