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 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
Driscoll, a veteran agent who has worked on international counterterrorism investigations in New York and once led the bureau’s Hostage Rescue Team, was named acting director in January after Christopher Wray quit at Trump’s behest and while Patel’s controversial nomination was pending.
—
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2025
Unlike Colbert’s controversial dismissal, however, Tomlinson’s exit from late night was intentional.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Tesla, driven in part by Elon Musk’s controversial tenure at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reported a 13% decrease in sales as boycotts ate into the company’s profits.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Why was Brooke Shields' Calvin Klein ad controversial?
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2025
Unlike Colbert’s controversial dismissal, however, Tomlinson’s exit from late night was intentional.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Tesla, driven in part by Elon Musk’s controversial tenure at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reported a 13% decrease in sales as boycotts ate into the company’s profits.
—Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Why was Brooke Shields' Calvin Klein ad controversial?
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
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Elsewhere in the Bay Area, San Francisco Playhouse is wrapping up a one-person show that leads audiences to consider their feelings and beliefs about the profoundly contentious Israel-Gaza conflict, even though it’s mostly meant to be a personal story.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
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Instead of a more contentious disagreement, which could have necessitated a final ruling from commissioner Roger Goodell, the two sides ultimately settled on an agreement to share the equity.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Potential Fed chair David Zervos backs an aggressive rate cut.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
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Poor oral hygiene allows plaque bacteria to produce acids that contribute to decay, while aggressive brushing can physically wear away the enamel surface.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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