An "acrimonious debate" refers to a heated and spiteful exchange of opinions or arguments, usually characterized by anger or bitterness. Full definition
This was just the opening round of what is likely to be a long series of acrimonious debates over policy at the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, on topics including sexual harassment, affirmative action, instruction of English language learners and school discipline — even on who might head the agency. (educationnext.org)
Home to recurring, often acrimonious debates over how to compensate rooftop solar customers for the excess energy they send to the grid, Arizona regulators, utilities and the rooftop solar sector are still struggling to settle on a method that can satisfy both sides. (utilitydive.com)
But if some of the more acrimonious debates in the cryptocurrency world seem besides the point, Garzik's involvement appears to have left him with inspiration for his latest work. (coindesk.com)