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

Under Live Local, opponents of controversial projects have very little say. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2026

Shane Gillis is finally addressing his controversial Saturday Night Live monologue. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2026

The Hurricanes are also coming off their first loss of the season, albeit a controversial one, 31-24 to Notre Dame. — Colin Lynch, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2026

Shane Gillis hopped on Joe Rogan’s podcast to address his controversial Saturday Night Live monologue last month. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 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