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
Or maybe Nintendo will issue one of those controversial upgrade packs for the game, allowing owners to bring Super Mario Odyssey over to the Switch 2 with new bells and whistles.
—
Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Now, the Steelers have made their decision on Sanders, and elected to pass on the controversial Colorado star.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Her appointment is the latest wrinkle in the ongoing legal dispute over Castillo’s controversial removal from office on Feb. 18, when the results of the city’s residency investigation were revealed to civic leaders in a closed-door meeting.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Both applications to change the landmark’s name cite the controversial history of John Sutter, whose namesake is ubiquitous throughout the area, including in the county containing the buttes and the unincorporated town located near the formation’s base.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Now, the Steelers have made their decision on Sanders, and elected to pass on the controversial Colorado star.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Her appointment is the latest wrinkle in the ongoing legal dispute over Castillo’s controversial removal from office on Feb. 18, when the results of the city’s residency investigation were revealed to civic leaders in a closed-door meeting.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Both applications to change the landmark’s name cite the controversial history of John Sutter, whose namesake is ubiquitous throughout the area, including in the county containing the buttes and the unincorporated town located near the formation’s base.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 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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