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

• 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

Most recently, last year in Bangladesh, students mobilized to call for the end of a controversial quota system for government jobs. —Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025

Despite the potential dangers, some young users and their families say trying the controversial therapy is preferable to being stuck in the status quo. —Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

In urban planning circles, use and exchange value are not controversial terms. —Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025

This is just the latest flash point in a controversial career for Suárez. —Ben Church, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025

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