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

Officials said Bovino, who has overseen several controversial immigration operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte and New Orleans, said he is expected to lead enforcement efforts in Minnesota as well. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

The Legislature’s tax discussions are unfolding in the shadow of a controversial ballot measure proposal to impose a one-time tax on the state’s billionaires. —Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Two Northern Kentucky lawmakers have committed to honoring controversial political activist Charlie Kirk with a namesake day now that the General Assembly is back in session. —Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2026

Dokoupil was named Evening News anchor last month following polarizing journalistic figure Bari Weiss' controversial takeover of CBS News. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026

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