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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggressive
given to arguing
controversial by temperament, she's the sort of political attack dog who kills all hope of bipartisanship
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of controversial
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city is powerless to stop a state contractor’s controversial plan to convert a former West Roxbury nursing home into a homeless shelter for families and migrants as community opposition intensifies.
—
Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
The last postseason complete game before Yamamoto’s on Sunday was Justin Verlander, who did so with the Houston Astros during their controversial World Series-winning 2017 season.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
When Harry Truman added a not very grand balcony to the Executive Residence, the move was controversial, but the construction was overseen by a bipartisan commission.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
The Kings were on the cusp of an NBA championship before losing to the Lakers in the controversial 2002 Western Conference finals.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
The last postseason complete game before Yamamoto’s on Sunday was Justin Verlander, who did so with the Houston Astros during their controversial World Series-winning 2017 season.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
When Harry Truman added a not very grand balcony to the Executive Residence, the move was controversial, but the construction was overseen by a bipartisan commission.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
The Kings were on the cusp of an NBA championship before losing to the Lakers in the controversial 2002 Western Conference finals.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
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The close, caring but contentious relationships among the three Williams women constitute some of the new season’s greatest pleasures.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
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The filibuster remains a contentious fixture, shaping negotiations and highlighting deep divisions in Congress.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Dallas Cowboys and team owner Jerry Jones have been very interested in the idea of getting aggressive ahead of the upcoming NFL trade deadline.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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Unlike their alligator cousins, which are known to occasionally attack people, American crocodiles are shyer and less aggressive.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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