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 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
-
James Ward Thursday night’s California governor debate underscored just how unsettled — and contentious — the race has become, with candidates repeatedly clashing over crime, election integrity, reproductive rights, and the balance of power between state and local government.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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The most contentious and controversial being some very pointed criticisms of Ole Miss, his former school.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
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 16 May. 2026.
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