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

For now, a controversial loan product is back in the spotlight, and the housing market is holding its breath for the next move from the central bank. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025

He is remembered as one of the more controversial American political figures in recent history. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

Like many who visit Biosphere 2, I was drawn in by its controversial history but captivated by its current state. —Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025

Officials emphasized that the Las Vegas police models do not include Tesla’s controversial self-driving software. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 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