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 year’s routine revision is significant because more states and doctors are relying on it instead of a controversial new schedule from the CDC.
—
Tricia Escobedo, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
Abe had recently appeared in a controversial video tribute to the leader of the Church.
—E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Adams’ 16-year tenure was controversial but undeniably transformational.
—Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
His tenure was controversial, but his reputation emerged relatively unscathed.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Tricia Escobedo, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
Abe had recently appeared in a controversial video tribute to the leader of the Church.
—E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Adams’ 16-year tenure was controversial but undeniably transformational.
—Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
His tenure was controversial, but his reputation emerged relatively unscathed.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
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His margin of victory was 481 votes, and he was declared the winner several weeks after the election following a contentious recount.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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The Clippers also traded Chris Paul, who hadn’t been with the team since November after his return turned contentious amid the early struggles.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 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
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Some of the city's narrow streets fell victim to the aggressive snow totals, leaving residents with little wiggle room to get around it.—
Andrew Ramos,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The agency’s aggressive tactics this past year – especially when agents make their presence known in public areas in or near an employer, such as a parking lot – have had a chilling effect on businesses in areas where ICE has been operating.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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