A battle in which spittle or ink replaces the injurious cannon-ball and the inconsiderate bayonet. In controversy with the facile tongue -- That bloodless warfare of the old and young -- So seek your adversary to engage That on himself he shall exhaust his rage, And, like a snake that's fastened to the ground, With his own fangs inflict the fatal wound. You ask me how this miracle is done? Adopt his own opinions, one by one, And taunt him to refute them; in his wrath He'll sweep them pitilessly from his path. Advance then gently all you wish to prove, Each proposition prefaced with, "As you've So well remarked," or, "As you wisely say, And I cannot dispute," or, "By the way, This view of it which, better far expressed, Runs through your argument." Then leave the rest To him, secure that he'll perform his trust And prove your views intelligent and just. Conmore Apel Brune

Contention; dispute; debate; discussion; agitation of contrary opinions.

a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement; "they were involved in a violent argument"

a contentious dispute -- a disagreement, about which parties are actively arguing, from the"opposed sides" that are denoted in the word's Latin source

a contentious dispute, a disagreement in opinions over which parties are actively arguing

a polemical exchange that occupies an intermediate position between discussion and dispute

A disagreement or a dispute that requires a definitive determination of how the law applies to the facts that are asserted to be true.

A discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views.

A controversy or dispute is a matter of opinion over which parties actively disagree, argue, or debate. Controversies can range in size from private disputes between two individuals to large-scale disagreements between societies.