What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Contentious vs Sanctimonious - What's the difference?

contentious | sanctimonious |

As adjectives the difference between contentious and sanctimonious

is that contentious is marked by heated arguments or controversy while sanctimonious is making a show of being morally better than others, especially hypocritically pious.

contentious

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Marked by heated arguments or controversy.
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2012 , date=June 19 , author=Phil McNulty , title=England 1-0 Ukraine , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=Ukraine, however, will complain long and hard about a contentious second-half incident when Marko Devic's shot clearly crossed the line before it was scrambled away by John Terry, only for the officials to remain unmoved.}}
  • Given to struggling with others out of jealousy or discord.

    • Synonyms

    * See also * See also

    Derived terms

    * contentiously * contentiousness

    Related terms

    * contend * contender * contention

    References

    * *

    sanctimonious

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Making a show of being morally better than others, especially hypocritically pious.
  • (archaic) Holy, devout.

    • Derived terms

    * sanctimoniously * sanctimoniousness * sanctimony