controversial

adjective

con·​tro·​ver·​sial ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl How to pronounce controversial (audio)
-ˈvər-sē-əl
Synonyms of controversialnext
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.
His episode is the most controversial in the show's seven-season run. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026 But ​the Fujimoris are still ⁠a controversial dynasty in Peru. — Reuters, NBC news, 4 July 2026 This strategy involves an idea that was once somewhat controversial in economics — that is, until economists started studying soccer players in real life. — Ashish Malhotra, NPR, 3 July 2026 However, Mason showed grit and powered his way to a controversial 12th-round TKO win in his hometown of Cleveland. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 July 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 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on controversial

Nglish: Translation of controversial for Spanish Speakers

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