controversial

adjective

con·tro·ver·sial ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl

-ˈvər-sē-əl

Synonyms of controversial next

: of, relating to, or arousing controversy

a controversial policy

a controversial film

: given to controversy : disputatious

a controversial temperament

The controversial biologist caused a ferment among his colleagues.

controversialism

ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shə-ˌli-zəm

-sē-ə-ˌli-

noun

controversialist

ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shə-list

-sē-ə-list

noun

controversially adverb

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.

Exactly who gets to determine when Ramadan begins and ends is controversial. —

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Such matters could include approval of repeating expenditures, liens on delinquent members, routine contract renewals, or anything else which is not expected to be controversial. —

Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025 Much like today, tariffs were controversial in the late 19th century. —

Einav Rabinovitch-Fox / Made By History, TIME, 7 Jan. 2025 Since then, the couple have sought to draw a line under the story of their royal exit and have pivoted to less controversial projects. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for controversial