Definition of controversial
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
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Examples of controversial in a Sentence
Abortion is a highly controversial subject.
a decision that remains controversial
He is a controversial author.
Recent Examples of controversial from the Web
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That's the underlying message of former president Barack Obama's statement on his successor's controversial move.
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The Biennial has long served as a barometer of the most controversial issues of the day.
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The three newcomers were largely voted in as part of a voter revolt against the former council, which endorsed a controversial apartment complex last year north of downtown Fairhope.
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The ouster was controversial, as many felt he was treated unfairly.
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The film discusses the controversial Agent Orange defoliant, the visit to Hanoi by the actress and antiwar activist Jane Fonda, and the release of the Pentagon Papers.
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Why are its symbols, especially flags, still so controversial?
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The Labor Department regulation was controversial from the start.
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As controversial as Waters' Desert Trip performance was, his most biting commentaries were left on the cutting room floor.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'controversial'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of controversial
see controversy
First Known Use: 1583
CONTROVERSIAL Defined for English Language Learners
controversial
playDefinition of controversial for English Language Learners
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: relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument : likely to produce controversy
CONTROVERSIAL Defined for Kids
controversial
playDefinition of controversial for Students
: relating to or causing disagreement or argument a controversial law
Learn More about controversial
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See words that rhyme with controversial Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for controversial Spanish Central: Translation of controversial Nglish: Translation of controversial for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of controversial for Arabic speakers
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