1
as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
tried to avoid controversial topics over the holiday dinner table
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2
as in aggressive
given to arguing
controversial by temperament, she's the sort of political attack dog who kills all hope of bipartisanship
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Recent Examples of controversial
While most Kentucky voters were focused on the presidential race and a controversial constitutional amendment Tuesday, there were dozens of candidates vying for the chance to represent their communities in small municipalities in and around Jefferson County.
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Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
Rogan is one of the most popular and controversial media personalities in the country, with each of his episodes earning millions of downloads and often featuring conversations with top newsmakers.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Biden would take the heat, giving Harris space to carry out what would be a controversial but necessary strategy change.
—Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024
For instance, instead of abstract, vague, and controversial terms, organizations should use concrete, specific, and common-sense examples in inclusive language to create a sense of unity and belonging.
—Paul Klein, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for controversial 
Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
Rogan is one of the most popular and controversial media personalities in the country, with each of his episodes earning millions of downloads and often featuring conversations with top newsmakers.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Biden would take the heat, giving Harris space to carry out what would be a controversial but necessary strategy change.
—Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024
For instance, instead of abstract, vague, and controversial terms, organizations should use concrete, specific, and common-sense examples in inclusive language to create a sense of unity and belonging.
—Paul Klein, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for controversial
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Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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