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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of controversial
The California Legislature Friday passed a controversial measure that could bypass local zoning laws to require communities to approve more housing developments near train and bus stations in many counties across the state.
—
Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Despite the potential dangers, some young users and their families say trying the controversial therapy is preferable to being stuck in the status quo.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
One of the most seminal slashers on Scream’s moodboard, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is widely considered to be one of the most influential, and controversial, horror films.
—Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
None of that ended up being controversial.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Despite the potential dangers, some young users and their families say trying the controversial therapy is preferable to being stuck in the status quo.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
One of the most seminal slashers on Scream’s moodboard, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is widely considered to be one of the most influential, and controversial, horror films.
—Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
None of that ended up being controversial.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
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Biglari’s proxy battles stand as one of the longest and most contentious activist campaigns in restaurant industry history.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
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However, his second run with the company came to an abrupt and reportedly contentious end just last week, as he was fired for what has been described as disciplinary reasons.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Now and in the future In the early days of the Bowman era, the Oilers appear to be more aggressive in looking for talent.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
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First, assume that classification will be litigated if the arrangement is aggressive or if the borrower is thinly capitalized.—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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