controversy

noun

ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē How to pronounce controversy (audio)
Definition of controversynext
1
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions the seemingly imperishable controversy over the teaching of evolution

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in debate
variance of opinion on a matter there is considerable controversy regarding the assassination of President Kennedy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of controversy In the midst of the controversy, Eugenie—who shares sons August and Ernest with Brooksbank—has reportedly banned the former Duke and Duchess of York from the hospital. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 15 July 2026 Even Webb, the steadiest pitcher in baseball coming into this season, entered the All-Star break with a meaningless controversy and a downward trajectory. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Community members have already submitted at least 600 suggestions, which the city is narrowing down to consolidate similar proposals, ensure eligibility and vet for past controversies, a San Jose parks spokesperson said. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 One of the candidates for the Kansas State Board of Education has had a history of controversy on the state board. — Zuri Primos july 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for controversy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversy
  1. dispute
  2. debate
  3. altercation
  4. disputation
  5. disagreement
  6. quarrel
  7. argument
  8. fight
Noun
  • According to the Daily Mail, Baldoni and Swift actually communicated after the end of his dispute with Lively, and the two now share a code word when talking about the issue.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026
  • The agreement resolve some disputes as state regulators continue hearing evidence that will determine what millions of customers ultimately pay for electricity.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • The debate over the development has played out amid a serious downturn in the region’s entertainment industry, with studios shifting film and television production to Georgia, New Mexico and other out-of-state locations.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Because of the vast amount of money being thrown into these markets, semantic debates have exploded into financial ones.
    — Jon Sarlin, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • The altercation between Adebayo and Herro was sparked by recent comments apparently made by Herro on social media critiquing Adebayo and also showing some resentment toward Adebayo.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • Sometime after the altercation, the deceased male and another unknown man saw the shooter in the food court and attacked him.
    — Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of altercation
Noun
  • This did not, however, mark the end of disputation concerning the Northwest Angle.
    — Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
  • According to him, advances in machine learning have yanked questions once trapped inside theological/philosophical disputations into corporate board packs.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Definition of disputation
Noun
  • Rather, the point would be to convert disagreements regarding biodiversity into guidance for ongoing experimentation.
    — Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
  • His comments broadened the debate beyond Machado’s individual case, framing the controversy as one involving fundamental civil liberties rather than simply a political disagreement over the opposition leader’s role during the disaster response.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Definition of disagreement
Noun
  • As the quarrel escalated he was stabbed repeatedly in the arm.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 12 July 2026
  • Candi is the family mediator Like any father-daughter coaching dynamic, Corey and Coco have had their fair share of quarrels on the tennis court.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of quarrel
Noun
  • The proceedings were frequently bogged down by arguments over whether certain exhibits could be admitted into evidence and publicly broadcast via a camera in the courtroom.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The lawyers will provide their arguments related to the appeal in subsequent court filings.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Instead of promoting their efforts, Republican lawmakers were left scrambling when the president abruptly withdrew his support over a separate political fight.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Away from fight sports, this past month has seen three players competing at the men’s World Cup who are facing active investigations or have been charged with rape.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

controversies
controversy
controvert
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Cite this Entry

“Controversy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversy. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on controversy

Nglish: Translation of controversy for Spanish Speakers

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