disputative
Inclined to argue
Disputative describes a tendency toward argument or debate.
Someone disputative enjoys challenging claims and engaging in verbal sparring: He grew more disputative after a few drinks.
The word can characterize people, discourse, or environments where disagreement is the norm.
Less common than disputatious, which carries the same meaning.
Strongly attacking opposing views
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- quarrelsomeInclined to dispute
- combativeInclined toward conflict
- antagonisticActively opposed or hostile
confrontational · pugnacious · belligerent · truculent · litigious · cantankerous · acrimonious · bellicose
Expressing disagreement formally
- contradictoryLogically opposed to itself
- oppositionalInclined to oppose
- skepticalInclined to question claims
- challengingHard to accomplish
refuting · iconoclastic · obstinate · recalcitrant · resistant · naysaying · perverse · unconventional
Scientific crime-scene analysis
- dialecticsReasoning through contradiction
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
- discourseFormal communication on subjects
- colloquyFormal conversation or conference
symposium · parliamentary · roundtable · panel · rhetoric · argumentation · rebuttal · cross-examination
polemical
Strongly attacking opposing views
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- quarrelsomeInclined to dispute
- combativeInclined toward conflict
antagonistic · confrontational · pugnacious · belligerent · truculent · litigious · cantankerous · acrimonious · bellicose · irascible
dissenting
Expressing disagreement formally
- contradictoryLogically opposed to itself
- oppositionalInclined to oppose
- skepticalInclined to question claims
challenging · refuting · iconoclastic · obstinate · recalcitrant · resistant · naysaying · perverse · unconventional · maverick
forensics
Scientific crime-scene analysis
- dialecticsReasoning through contradiction
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
- discourseFormal communication on subjects
colloquy · symposium · parliamentary · roundtable · panel · rhetoric · argumentation · rebuttal · cross-examination · moot
disputativeagreeable
Pleasantly cooperative
conciliatory · accommodating · acquiescent · compliant · amenable
disputativepeaceable
Averse to strife
harmonious · pacific · peacemaking · irenic · diplomatic