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

Construction on a controversial project to put tiny sleeping cabins for homeless individuals in Lemon Grove is schedued to begin Monday. —Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

Richard Sher’s Square Off panel of Billy Murphy, Tonya Bana, Tyrone Keys and Rick Vatz debate this controversial issue. —Bill Wachsberger, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2026

Paschal scored a run in the fourth inning on two controversial calls, both involving Victoria Hultgren. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026

Controlling the hippo population has been controversial among the government, environmentalists and residents. —Carlie Procell, USA Today, 25 Apr. 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