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
The live conversation centered on Osbourne's friendship with controversial TV host Piers Morgan, who was making headlines at the time for his controversial comments about Duchess Meghan.
—
Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
In July, Lee traveled to Marco Island, Florida, to be the keynote speaker at a conference of Alliance Defending Freedom, a group behind a handful of controversial new state laws.
—Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
The beloved actor's career was marked by her collaborations with some of the most innovative directors of her time, including Robert Altman and the controversial Stanley Kubrick.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, Hamilton is on a mission to claim a record-breaking eighth world championship after losing the title to Max Verstappen in 2021 at the controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi.
—Yara Elshebiny, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for controversial 
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Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
In July, Lee traveled to Marco Island, Florida, to be the keynote speaker at a conference of Alliance Defending Freedom, a group behind a handful of controversial new state laws.
—Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
The beloved actor's career was marked by her collaborations with some of the most innovative directors of her time, including Robert Altman and the controversial Stanley Kubrick.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, Hamilton is on a mission to claim a record-breaking eighth world championship after losing the title to Max Verstappen in 2021 at the controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi.
—Yara Elshebiny, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for controversial
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Dictionary Entries Near controversial
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 25 Dec. 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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