controversial

adjective

con·​tro·​ver·​sial ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl How to pronounce controversial (audio)
-ˈvər-sē-əl
Synonyms of controversial
1
: of, relating to, or arousing controversy
a controversial policy
a controversial film
2
: given to controversy : disputatious
a controversial temperament
The controversial biologist caused a ferment among his colleagues.
controversialism
ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce controversial (audio)
-sē-ə-ˌli-
noun
controversialist
ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shə-list How to pronounce controversial (audio)
-sē-ə-list
noun
controversially adverb

Synonyms of controversial

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Examples of controversial in a Sentence

Abortion is a highly controversial subject. a decision that remains controversial He is a controversial author.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The two London clubs’ transfer dealings got off to a controversial start with Ashley Cole’s infamous move from Arsenal, a deal clouded by accusations of tapping up and considerable hostility. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 Starring Oscar nominees Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as the controversial parents in question, Fjord won the Palme d’Or in May, its backing by the great Cannes-to-Oscars whisperer that is Neon signaling a fruitful fall awards run. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026 The company has spent heavily to bring its controversial vision of small but tech-intensive, sleek steel buildings to about a dozen communities, with a wide range of results. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026 Data centers are one of the most controversial issues of the 2026 election cycle, garnering widespread backlash among voters in both political parties. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for controversial

Word History

Etymology

see controversy

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of controversial was in 1583

Rhymes for controversial

See All Rhymes for controversial

Browse Nearby Words

controverse
controversial
controversialist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

controversial

adjective
con·​tro·​ver·​sial ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl How to pronounce controversial (audio)
-ˈvər-sē-əl
: relating to or causing controversy
a controversial movie
controversially
-ē
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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