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

The comments get to the heart of what often makes sustainable investing controversial. — Alastair Marsh, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

The Boston Red Sox are surprisingly buyers at the MLB trade deadline, prompting fans to recall past controversial trades like Rafael Devers and Mookie Betts. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Arsenal responded quickly, with Dowman scoring a goal that was viewed as controversial by the home fans as one of their players was down injured for an extended period of that passage of play. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Just months after the Charlotte region’s transportation board voted to kill support for the Interstate 77 South Toll lane project, talks of community investments that could be brought forth by the controversial project has reignited the debate. — Dj Simmons august 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 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