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.
controversially
adverb
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
Those emotions reared their head as the Cowboys lost in double overtime to Iowa State, leaving the door open for a very controversial rematch between LSU and Alabama in the BCS Championship Game.
—
Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Baltimore leaders have decided not to renew the city's controversial agreement with Baltimore Gas and Electric that allowed the company to make infrastructure investments to the underground utility network.
—Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Over the past decade, authorities have sought to stamp out protests against his government, including demonstrations against a controversial citizenship legislation and farmers’ protests.
—ABC News, 5 June 2026
The first goal, in the 51st minute, is still widely considered one of the most controversial moments in the World Cup’s history and the second, just four minutes later, one of the best ever scored.
—Will Jeanes, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Baltimore leaders have decided not to renew the city's controversial agreement with Baltimore Gas and Electric that allowed the company to make infrastructure investments to the underground utility network.
—Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Over the past decade, authorities have sought to stamp out protests against his government, including demonstrations against a controversial citizenship legislation and farmers’ protests.
—ABC News, 5 June 2026
The first goal, in the 51st minute, is still widely considered one of the most controversial moments in the World Cup’s history and the second, just four minutes later, one of the best ever scored.
—Will Jeanes, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
controversial
adjective
con·tro·ver·sial
ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl
-ˈvər-sē-əl
: relating to or causing controversy
a controversial movie
controversially
adverb
-ē
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