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
Democrats countered that the GOP proposal actually is partisan, since Republicans are seeking to extend funding following the passage of a controversial spending bill that narrowly passed in July over the objections of all congressional Democrats.
—
Kevin Breuninger,sam Meredith, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
The crossover came amid recent turmoil, including Colbert’s show being canceled by in July and Kimmel's temporary suspension by ABC in September following controversial comments about the fatal shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Padalecki even weighs in on one of the most controversial moments from his character, Dean.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
The fallen mogul’s trial was controversial and traumatic.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Kevin Breuninger,sam Meredith, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
The crossover came amid recent turmoil, including Colbert’s show being canceled by in July and Kimmel's temporary suspension by ABC in September following controversial comments about the fatal shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Padalecki even weighs in on one of the most controversial moments from his character, Dean.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
The fallen mogul’s trial was controversial and traumatic.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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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