1
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the seemingly imperishable controversy over the teaching of evolution
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in debate
variance of opinion on a matter
there is considerable controversy regarding the assassination of President Kennedy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of controversy
The Oscars would be the first American awards show the actress has attended since her social media controversy began to unfold in January.
—
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2025
Most of the controversy focuses on a small section, south of Bismarck, N.D., that crosses under a reservoir on the Missouri River.
—Jeff Brady, NPR, 24 Feb. 2025
On stage, Saldaña didn’t directly address the larger controversy surrounding the movie.
—Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 23 Feb. 2025
Abbasi was in attendance at Saturday’s Indie Spirit Awards despite the controversy.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversy
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2025
Most of the controversy focuses on a small section, south of Bismarck, N.D., that crosses under a reservoir on the Missouri River.
—Jeff Brady, NPR, 24 Feb. 2025
On stage, Saldaña didn’t directly address the larger controversy surrounding the movie.
—Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 23 Feb. 2025
Abbasi was in attendance at Saturday’s Indie Spirit Awards despite the controversy.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversy
Noun
-
According to one source, Heath has said that the interaction exemplifies the way acts of kindness have been weaponized against himself, Baldoni, and others in the dispute.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2025
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Obviously, his status and the outcome of his most recent contract dispute with the team could affect what the Rams do in the draft, for any number of reasons.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Macron has been pushing Europe to hold a debate on the role that French nuclear weapons can play in the continent's defense, which could pressure the U.K. to follow suit.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
1 Mar. 2025
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In reality, an attempt to enact a Mar-a-Lago Accord, in the same fashion as the debate around NATO, may create aversion (distrust in) to US financial assets and the dollar.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, the two shell casings that were recovered from the scene by Relli and turned in to police two days after the altercation had no fingerprints.—
Daniela Avila,
People.com,
19 Feb. 2025
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His family has requested the body cam footage of the altercation, but has not been able to view it.—
Cody Copeland,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Jake is a single father who has brought Kristen up in the severe Calvinist tradition, marked by Bible disputations of Talmudic intricacy and by a radical detachment from secular and popular culture.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2023
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And yet there is one aspect of the book which was notable: a disputation of the Richard Wrangham's work in Demonic Males.—
Razib Khan,
Discover Magazine,
22 Apr. 2013
Noun
-
Beyond being able to view things rationally, cognitive reappraisal also offers you and your partner the time to cool off when a disagreement becomes heated.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Glimcher was his most reliable link to the outside world, but many of their conversations ended in disagreement.—
Andrew Moore,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The public quarrel between Trump and Zelenskyy began after Russia and the U.S. agreed Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties.—
ILLIA NOVIKOV,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2025
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The public quarrel between New Zealand and Cook Islands — which share a passport, a military and constitutional ties — was a victory for Beijing’s efforts to woo Pacific leaders and a blow to Western countries’ efforts to counter China’s sway, analysts said.—
Charlotte Graham-McLay,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The argument against keeping Dalton The Panthers are projected to have roughly $20 million in salary cap space this offseason, according to Over The Cap.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Feb. 2025
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Interestingly Jonas actually makes the major arguments against his own case: 1.—
Jonas Siegel,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Their responses indicate a lengthy fight to come over the budget resolution.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
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His childhood was turbulent—his parents' frequent fights sometimes turned physical, with his father directing his frustrations at young Gene.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Controversy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversy. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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