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
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Recent Examples of controversial
This shouldn’t have been a surprise—the night was sponsored by one of the richest (and controversial) men in the world, Jeff Bezos, billionaire founder of e-commerce giant Amazon, and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos.
—
Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
In the immediate aftermath of West Ham United’s controversial loss to Arsenal, captain Jarrod Bowen launched the protests at the officials, Tomas Soucek and Callum Wilson pleaded for answers, while an incandescent Mads Hermansen repeatedly wagged his finger and had to be ushered away.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 11 May 2026
DeSantis had initially suggested a less controversial rationale for his move, saying the unusual mid-decade redistricting was needed to make up for the state’s rapid growth since the 2022 map was adopted.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2026
The White House has also backed a controversial project to revive a long-dormant trio of platforms just north of Habitat, also in the Santa Barbara Channel, despite ongoing legal and regulatory concerns.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
In the immediate aftermath of West Ham United’s controversial loss to Arsenal, captain Jarrod Bowen launched the protests at the officials, Tomas Soucek and Callum Wilson pleaded for answers, while an incandescent Mads Hermansen repeatedly wagged his finger and had to be ushered away.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 11 May 2026
DeSantis had initially suggested a less controversial rationale for his move, saying the unusual mid-decade redistricting was needed to make up for the state’s rapid growth since the 2022 map was adopted.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2026
The White House has also backed a controversial project to revive a long-dormant trio of platforms just north of Habitat, also in the Santa Barbara Channel, despite ongoing legal and regulatory concerns.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
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This comes after a federal appeals court's April 21 decision to uphold a contentious Texas law requiring public school districts to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court fight.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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Fiery moments from the governor’s debate Democratic frontrunners Xavier Becerra and billionaire Tom Steyer faced fierce attacks Wednesday during a contentious gubernatorial debate in Los Angeles.—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
-
The Boston Red Sox could be aggressive, and have the prospects to swing a deal.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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In 1981, reggae artist Bob Marley died in a Miami hospital at age 36 after battling an aggressive skin cancer.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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