controversial
adjective
con·tro·ver·sial
ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl 
-ˈvər-sē-əl
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.
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
Fifty years ago on April 30, 1975, the Vietnam War ended with North Vietnamese troops taking Saigon, bringing an end to what had been America’s most controversial war.
—
Stan Godlewski, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2025
After the Oilers’ Evander Kane tied the game on a controversial goal, Hiller challenged the call, claiming goalie interference.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
Rust — The controversial Alec Baldwin movie in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot to death during filming — is a bust in its opening weekend in theaters.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Following his controversial decision to play the Lakers’ second-half starters for the entirety of Game 4 — a first in NBA playoff history — Redick defended the decision at his practice media availability and his pre-Game 5 availability.
—Jovan Buha, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Stan Godlewski, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2025
After the Oilers’ Evander Kane tied the game on a controversial goal, Hiller challenged the call, claiming goalie interference.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
Rust — The controversial Alec Baldwin movie in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot to death during filming — is a bust in its opening weekend in theaters.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Following his controversial decision to play the Lakers’ second-half starters for the entirety of Game 4 — a first in NBA playoff history — Redick defended the decision at his practice media availability and his pre-Game 5 availability.
—Jovan Buha, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
controversial
adjective
con·tro·ver·sial
ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl
-ˈvər-sē-əl
: relating to or causing controversy
a controversial movie
controversially
adverb
-ē
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