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.
controversially
adverb
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
But the document suggests Florida agencies have been assigned more funding than those in any other state through the federal 287(g) program — a controversial initiative that deputizes local officers to carry out limited immigration enforcement duties.
—
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Earlier this month, the Yorkville City Council approved a controversial data center after several hours of meetings.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Rowling — whose Potter novels have sold more than 600 million copies worldwide — has been a controversial figure for the studio due to her views on trans rights issues.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
The tour cancellation is just the latest issue for the controversial toll lane project.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Earlier this month, the Yorkville City Council approved a controversial data center after several hours of meetings.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Rowling — whose Potter novels have sold more than 600 million copies worldwide — has been a controversial figure for the studio due to her views on trans rights issues.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
The tour cancellation is just the latest issue for the controversial toll lane project.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
controversial
adjective
con·tro·ver·sial
ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl
-ˈvər-sē-əl
: relating to or causing controversy
a controversial movie
controversially
adverb
-ē
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
