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
The presence was much larger than when officials detained an immigrant last week and appeared to be a continuation of the new and controversial practice that has troubled attorneys, angered activists and increased fears for immigrants.
—
Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
But in the 1990s, the U.S. government undertook one of the most controversial wildlife programs in history — capturing wild wolves in Canada and reintroducing them in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park.
—Clark Corbin, Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2025
But with the event falling on June 14, President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—and with his name, presence, and fingerprints woven throughout—the military spectacle has become one of the most controversial and polarizing public displays in the nation’s capital in years.
—Nik Popli, Time, 12 June 2025
Rollins will field questions on controversial reforms to aid programs, including one that drew a lawsuit from Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA).
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
But in the 1990s, the U.S. government undertook one of the most controversial wildlife programs in history — capturing wild wolves in Canada and reintroducing them in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park.
—Clark Corbin, Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2025
But with the event falling on June 14, President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—and with his name, presence, and fingerprints woven throughout—the military spectacle has become one of the most controversial and polarizing public displays in the nation’s capital in years.
—Nik Popli, Time, 12 June 2025
Rollins will field questions on controversial reforms to aid programs, including one that drew a lawsuit from Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA).
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 June 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 15 Jun. 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
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