controversy

noun

con·​tro·​ver·​sy ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē 

 British also  kən-ˈträ-və-sē

plural controversies

1

: a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute

The decision aroused a controversy among the students.

2

: quarrel, strife

Synonyms

• dispute
• altercation
• disagreement
• quarrel
• argument
• fight
• misunderstanding

Examples of controversy in a Sentence

The decision aroused much controversy among the students.

The new movie is a subject of controversy.

There is controversy surrounding the team's decision to trade the star pitcher.

The controversy is over whether he should be fired or not.

A controversy arose over the new law.

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether Sanders can overcome this buzz and controversy will remain to be seen. —Cecil Merkerson, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025

Ace was involved in several controversies during the season, including the heart rate challenge and Jeremiah's dumping. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025

What sparked the controversy over this year's COVID-19 boosters? —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025

Maxwell's comments came as the Trump administration remains mired in controversy over its decision not to release to the public its investigative files on Epstein. —James Hill, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin controversia, from controversus disputable, literally, turned against, from contro- (akin to contra-) + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for controversy

• circe
• kersey
• mercy
• gramercy

Kids Definition

controversy

noun

con·​tro·​ver·​sy ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē 

plural controversies

1

: a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute

2

: quarrel entry 1 sense 2, strife

Etymology

Middle English controversie, from early French (same meaning), from Latin controversia "act or cause of disagreeing, dispute," literally, "something turned against or to the contrary," from contro-, contra- "against, contrary" and versus "turned," from vertere "to turn" — related to anniversary, converse, divert, versatile

Legal Definition

controversy

noun

con·​tro·​ver·​sy ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē Brit also kən-ˈträ-vər-sē 

plural controversies

1

: a state of dispute or disagreement

suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars

—U.S. Constitution amend. VII

2

: a civil action involving a real and immediate dispute between parties with adverse interests

Note: Article III of the U.S. Constitution gives the judiciary the power to decide cases and controversies. Article III's limitation of the judicial power to cases or controversies requires that an action brought in the federal court involve parties with standing to sue and questions that are ripe and not moot.

controversial

ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl, -ˈvər-sē-əl 

adjective