as in violation
a failure to uphold the requirements of law, duty, or obligation
a clandestine weapons program that was a contravention of the international arms agreement
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Recent Examples of contravention
This modus operandi is a direct contravention of Gallifrey's strict non-interference policies.
—
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 June 2025
But they can’t be imposed capriciously, in fits of pique or in direct contravention of our laws.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
As has become familiar in the U.K. in recent years, this latest change to the immigration system to prevent further arrivals is quite likely in direct contravention of the U.K.’s international refugee and human rights obligations.
—Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2025
In a contravention of international law, Israel subjects Palestinians living under its rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to what is in effect martial law.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contravention
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 June 2025
But they can’t be imposed capriciously, in fits of pique or in direct contravention of our laws.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
As has become familiar in the U.K. in recent years, this latest change to the immigration system to prevent further arrivals is quite likely in direct contravention of the U.K.’s international refugee and human rights obligations.
—Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2025
In a contravention of international law, Israel subjects Palestinians living under its rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to what is in effect martial law.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for contravention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contravention
Noun
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Felicia Anderson, 39, is wanted on a half-dozen criminal counts, including first-degree assault, second-degree assault and weapons violations.—
Alexa Ashwell,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2026
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This is a brazen violation of international law.—
Lincoln Anderson,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Trademark infringement claims could be used to argue AI content is confusingly similar, which is generally prohibited by trademark law.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
30 Apr. 2026
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Udio and Sunio share custody of the copyright infringement lawsuit brought by Universal, Sony, and Warner.—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contravention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravention. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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