controversy

noun

con·​tro·​ver·​sy ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē 

British also kən-ˈträ-və-sē

plural controversies

1

: a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute

The decision aroused a controversy among the students.

The movie is a subject of controversy.

2

: quarrel, strife

3

law : a civil action

The judicial power shall extend … to controversies to which the United States shall be a party …

—U.S. Constitution

Synonyms of controversy

• dispute
• altercation
• disagreement
• quarrel
• argument
• fight
• misunderstanding

Examples of controversy in a Sentence

The decision aroused much controversy among the students.

The new movie is a subject of controversy.

There is controversy surrounding the team's decision to trade the star pitcher.

The controversy is over whether he should be fired or not.

A controversy arose over the new law.

Recent Examples on the Web

House Speaker Mike Johnson, facing a historically slim GOP majority in the chamber, has only cautiously touched on the controversy in recent weeks. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Mar. 2026

The city’s municipal president, Juan José Frangie Saade, banned him from performing in the city for the remainder of the mayor’s term, which ends September 2027 — and the controversy has affected his ability to play throughout the state of Jalisco, where Zapopan is located. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2026

But that approach has sparked controversy. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

The predator catchers have also attracted controversy. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin controversia, from controversus disputable, literally, turned against, from contro- (akin to contra-) + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for controversy

• circe
• kersey
• mercy
• gramercy

Kids Definition

controversy

noun

con·​tro·​ver·​sy ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē 

plural controversies

1

: a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute

2

: quarrel entry 1 sense 2, strife

Etymology

Middle English controversie, from early French (same meaning), from Latin controversia "act or cause of disagreeing, dispute," literally, "something turned against or to the contrary," from contro-, contra- "against, contrary" and versus "turned," from vertere "to turn" — related to anniversary, converse, divert, versatile

Legal Definition

controversy

noun

con·​tro·​ver·​sy ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē Brit also kən-ˈträ-vər-sē 

plural controversies

1

: a state of dispute or disagreement

suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars

—U.S. Constitution amend. VII

2

: a civil action involving a real and immediate dispute between parties with adverse interests

Note: Article III of the U.S. Constitution gives the judiciary the power to decide cases and controversies. Article III's limitation of the judicial power to cases or controversies requires that an action brought in the federal court involve parties with standing to sue and questions that are ripe and not moot.

controversial

ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl, -ˈvər-sē-əl 

adjective