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
The park’s planning has been controversial as the final design came to fruition.
—
Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
But Oelsen and her neighbors would soon learn that these new arrivals were clients of an unannounced and unpermitted sober living operation — a revelation that has triggered outrage among residents and once again pitted Santa Monica officials against a controversial Los Angeles developer.
—Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The county’s order marks the latest development in Riverstone’s short and controversial existence.
—Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026
The San Diego City Council ended 2025 — a year that brought wildfires to the forefront of people’s minds — by enacting a controversial new set of fire prevention rules.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
But Oelsen and her neighbors would soon learn that these new arrivals were clients of an unannounced and unpermitted sober living operation — a revelation that has triggered outrage among residents and once again pitted Santa Monica officials against a controversial Los Angeles developer.
—Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The county’s order marks the latest development in Riverstone’s short and controversial existence.
—Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026
The San Diego City Council ended 2025 — a year that brought wildfires to the forefront of people’s minds — by enacting a controversial new set of fire prevention rules.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
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The issue of what to do with the personal belongings of those living in encampments is particularly contentious in East County.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
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After their contentious Zoom call, HBO asked Martin to step back from Dragon altogether.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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, especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Anthony Bernon, 28, said Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about i the aggressive tactics being used by ICE and other federal agencies enforcing immigration policy.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
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Reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement going door to door have circulated, and so too have videos alleging profiling based on race and ICE's apparent aggressive tactics.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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