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
Despite the fact some people might call it controversial, this is what Val wanted.
—
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Over the years, messy planning has led to controversial, costly golden parachutes, shareholder lawsuits, a stockholder revolt and a bitter, distracting proxy fight.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The game also ended on a controversial strike three call that appeared to be out of the zone.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
After would be von Trier’s first feature since The House That Jack Built, a controversial Cannes competition entry in 2018.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Over the years, messy planning has led to controversial, costly golden parachutes, shareholder lawsuits, a stockholder revolt and a bitter, distracting proxy fight.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The game also ended on a controversial strike three call that appeared to be out of the zone.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
After would be von Trier’s first feature since The House That Jack Built, a controversial Cannes competition entry in 2018.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 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 21 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
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