controversial

adjective

ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl How to pronounce controversial (audio)
Definition of controversialnext
1
as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions tried to avoid controversial topics over the holiday dinner table

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polemical
given to arguing controversial by temperament, she's the sort of political attack dog who kills all hope of bipartisanship

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of controversial All-white kitchens, another style that uses one color to dominate a room, came in at number four for the most controversial decor trend. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2026 The Met Gala's exhibition dedicated to controversial designer John Galliano is no longer. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 The Met Gala‘s thematic tribute to John Galliano has been scrapped after the controversial designer pulled out of the event amid backlash surrounding his involvement. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026 Even then, the main concern was the stock’s historical cyclicality, and the name is still a controversial one today. — Isabella Gao, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
  1. contentious
  2. polemical
  3. aggressive
Adjective
  • Several cities across the nation are locked in a contentious debate over Flock cameras, but in Erlanger, that decision has been made.
    — Brooklyn Andres, Fox 19 Cincinnati, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The latest version of the polling place plan follows a contentious August meeting about a proposal to reduce the number of Election Day voting locations for the November midterm from 316 in 2022 to 176 in 2026.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of contentious
Adjective
  • Even so, the film’s gaze is more anthropological than polemical, especially given the faux-doc vibe created by its abundant handheld camerawork, seemingly filmed sometimes by the actors themselves.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Now, in the 1500s and 1600s, that phrase was often used by Catholics in their polemical war against Protestants.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of polemical
Adjective
  • The aggressive action will be closely watched by other states and school systems.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Tour participants described an aggressive interrogation by an Israeli border agent.
    — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggressive

Browse Nearby Words

controls
controversial
controversies
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Cite this Entry

“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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