1
as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
tried to avoid controversial topics over the holiday dinner table
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polemical
given to arguing
controversial by temperament, she's the sort of political attack dog who kills all hope of bipartisanship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of controversial
Both the House and Senate passed a controversial bill to ensure the status quo in a state that already has one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation.
—
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Not just when there is a controversial vote coming up.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Specifically, Chval referenced the controversial future of a slip lane that is part of the Sloan Triangle at Prospect and Park Avenues and its possible future use as a plaza.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Fire Melvin and make the most controversial and headline-grabbing managerial hire in recent big-league history.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Not just when there is a controversial vote coming up.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Specifically, Chval referenced the controversial future of a slip lane that is part of the Sloan Triangle at Prospect and Park Avenues and its possible future use as a plaza.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Fire Melvin and make the most controversial and headline-grabbing managerial hire in recent big-league history.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
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This comes after a federal appeals court's April 21 decision to uphold a contentious Texas law requiring public school districts to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court fight.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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Fiery moments from the governor’s debate Democratic frontrunners Xavier Becerra and billionaire Tom Steyer faced fierce attacks Wednesday during a contentious gubernatorial debate in Los Angeles.—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Colleges and universities nationwide continue to grapple with polemic issues associated with the fair treatment of individuals of differing backgrounds, political persuasions, and sexuality.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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This kind of depravity, licentiousness and polemical theatrics has no place on such a traditional and once wholesome presentation of the coming of a new year in our great nation and especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Buxton knows the plan — a fighting retreat that saves ownership money but still gives the team the chance to regroup and compete for a division title with strong starting pitching and an aggressive, small-ball approach from a young, athletic lineup.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
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Iran signaled an aggressive response to this latest bid to break its stranglehold over the strait, which has left global shipping at an effective standstill and sent energy prices spiraling.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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