1
as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
tried to avoid controversial topics over the holiday dinner table
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polemical
given to arguing
controversial by temperament, she's the sort of political attack dog who kills all hope of bipartisanship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of controversial
The resignation of a top executive at Africa’s football governing body raised questions about the organization’s integrity following a controversial ruling that stripped Senegal of its African Cup of Nations title.
—
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
His bid has since gained momentum despite scrutiny over past controversial comments and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
Not controversial in the least.
—Greg Cote
updated March 30, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
More than 100 Manus employees moved into Meta’s Singapore offices in early March, CNBC has learned, signaling the controversial AI business deal has moved ahead despite Beijing’s discouragement.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
His bid has since gained momentum despite scrutiny over past controversial comments and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
Not controversial in the least.
—Greg Cote
updated March 30, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
More than 100 Manus employees moved into Meta’s Singapore offices in early March, CNBC has learned, signaling the controversial AI business deal has moved ahead despite Beijing’s discouragement.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
-
Some Charlotte region transportation board members want a say on whether the contentious Interstate 77 South toll lane project should continue based on upcoming design changes.—
Desiree Mathurin
March 27,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Quebec’s identity has been contentious since the 1760s when the British completed their takeover of what was then called New France.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Colleges and universities nationwide continue to grapple with polemic issues associated with the fair treatment of individuals of differing backgrounds, political persuasions, and sexuality.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This kind of depravity, licentiousness and polemical theatrics has no place on such a traditional and once wholesome presentation of the coming of a new year in our great nation and especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Brvenik, 44, was diagnosed in 2024 with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Your sense of self takes the lead as the Moon, presently in your sign, opposes aggressive Mars across your partnership zone.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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