CONTROVERT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

controvert

verb

ˈkän-trə-ˌvərt

Definition of controvert

as in to argue

to express different opinions about something often angrily ever since the poem was first published, critics and scholars have controverted over the meaning of its concluding lines

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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 controvert Those then who controvert the principle that the constitution is to be considered, in court, as a paramount law, are reduced to the necessity of maintaining that courts must close their eyes on the constitution, and see only the law. — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025 Even assuming this is true (and this description will be controverted at trial), a monopoly by itself does not violate the antitrust laws. — Alden Abbott, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 The appellate court noted that the woman’s testimony was controverted. — Virginia Hammerle, Dallas News, 16 May 2023 During the upcoming weeks and through the appeal a slew of additional credible and controverting evidence will come to light. — Ben Shpigel, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for controvert

Verb

Rubio has argued that before holding new elections, Venezuela must stabilize its economy and rebuild its institutions, including its courts and electoral council.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Catholics have used Scripture to argue for and against deportations and strict immigration enforcement.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

The two of them together, just 17 months apart, shared playlists, bickered over where to stop during Apple CarPlay calls, pulled up beside me and faded away with silly faces, encapsulating 20 years of my life in my rearview mirror.

— Robert Duffer, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Like law enforcement agents everywhere, they’re disposed to bickering about jurisdiction or pumping each other for off-limits information.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of bicker

Verb

The two were among two quarreling groups inside the club that began to fight, according to the report.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Between these endpoints of hate and love came an hour-long C-SPAN broadcast, on November 30, 1993, in which the men quarrelled, teased, and fielded calls.

— Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of quarrel

Verb

For now, Smith and her team are on the road as the Valkyries fight to take home the WNBA Championship Trophy.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
My school years passed in a sliding door moment, and all there was to behold in that frame was a young man who had to physically fight to be allowed to be someone else—himself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fight

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controversy

controvert

controverted

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“Controvert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controvert. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of controvert

verb

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