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
Synonyms
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
Mercury’s entrance to Sagittarius expands the scope and depth of your knowledge on a controversial topic.
—
USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024
There isn't much of a reason for fans to care about the Crown Jewel Championship that will only pop up once a year as part of WWE’s controversial relationship with Saudi Arabia.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Fixating on the male voter does make sense in other quarters, like a controversial ad created by the Progress Action Fund now airing in swing states.
—Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
On Thursday, Jennifer Lopez joined her at a campaign event in Las Vegas, making an appeal to Latino voters while condemning controversial remarks about Puerto Rico from a comedian at former President Trump’s recent event in New York City sparked backlash.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for controversial 
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USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024
There isn't much of a reason for fans to care about the Crown Jewel Championship that will only pop up once a year as part of WWE’s controversial relationship with Saudi Arabia.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Fixating on the male voter does make sense in other quarters, like a controversial ad created by the Progress Action Fund now airing in swing states.
—Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
On Thursday, Jennifer Lopez joined her at a campaign event in Las Vegas, making an appeal to Latino voters while condemning controversial remarks about Puerto Rico from a comedian at former President Trump’s recent event in New York City sparked backlash.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for controversial
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Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
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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