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
Cristobal responded Monday to star Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who referenced Ohio State’s controversial double-overtime victory over Miami in the national championship game in 2003.
—
Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025
Among the more controversial moments of Sasse's tenure occurred during an April 2024 pro-Palestinian demonstration on UF's Plaza of the Americas.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
That vehicle will be based on the controversial Type 00 concept that the marque unveiled at last year’s Art Basel Miami.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
From the controversial decision to extend payment terms on vendors and to cover its past-due payments in monthly increments in February to a quick refinancing in August, the future path of Saks Global was a question mark for many.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025
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.
Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025
Among the more controversial moments of Sasse's tenure occurred during an April 2024 pro-Palestinian demonstration on UF's Plaza of the Americas.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
That vehicle will be based on the controversial Type 00 concept that the marque unveiled at last year’s Art Basel Miami.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
From the controversial decision to extend payment terms on vendors and to cover its past-due payments in monthly increments in February to a quick refinancing in August, the future path of Saks Global was a question mark for many.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.
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
Share