1. A policy that causes or is likely to cause heated debate, disagreement, or conflict among people or groups with differing opinions
The government's new tax policy is contentious and has sparked widespread protests.
A nova política fiscal do governo é controversa e provocou protestos generalizados.
2. A disputed or debated course of action adopted by an organization or government that divides public opinion
The contentious policy on immigration reform has divided the nation.
A política controversa sobre reforma imigratória dividiu a nação.