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
Platte County voters overwhelmingly approved a controversial ballot measure intended to cap how much property taxes can increase each year for homeowners during Tuesday’s election.
—
Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
The role of Mahama’s brother in mining deals has been controversial, and the president has repeatedly denied accusations of cronyism.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In a controversial move, the school board opted to issue lay off notices for every member of the district office’s central staff — including the district’s top leader, Cancy McArn.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
But Jackson obviously is a controversial figure here.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
The role of Mahama’s brother in mining deals has been controversial, and the president has repeatedly denied accusations of cronyism.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In a controversial move, the school board opted to issue lay off notices for every member of the district office’s central staff — including the district’s top leader, Cancy McArn.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
But Jackson obviously is a controversial figure here.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 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
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