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.

controversialism

ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shə-ˌli-zəm 

-sē-ə-ˌli-

noun

controversialist

ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shə-list 

-sē-ə-list

noun

controversially adverb

Synonyms of controversial

• contentious

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

Although laws changed in 1829 to allow Catholics to become members of parliament, the idea of a Catholic prime minister remained controversial for many years. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

If Eva Longoria could wear Bermuda shorts to Cannes, the controversial style has officially shed its dadcore trappings. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 19 July 2026

Only time will tell whether Beatrice and Eugenie choose to reconcile with their controversial mother. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 19 July 2026

The influencers are two of the most controversial figures on the internet today, with legions of fans and detractors. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see controversy

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for controversial

• noncommercial
• commercial
• inertial
• noncontroversial
• uncontroversial

Kids Definition

controversial

adjective

con·​tro·​ver·​sial ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl 

-ˈvər-sē-əl

: relating to or causing controversy

a controversial movie

controversially

-ē

adverb