1
as in disputes
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the seemingly imperishable controversy over the teaching of evolution
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in disputations
variance of opinion on a matter
there is considerable controversy regarding the assassination of President Kennedy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of controversies
The pair traveled to Yellow Springs, Ohio, for the wide-ranging chat, which included candid discussions of Chappelle's early life, comedy career and his controversies with the LGBTQ community.
—
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 June 2026
The circumstances surrounding the exits vary, ranging from routine retirements, campus controversies, personal peccadillos, serious health issues, fractious relationships between campus leaders and governing boards, and visions of greener pastures.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The text messages are just the latest in a string of controversies surrounding Platner.
—Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 1 June 2026
This is in addition to other past controversies.
—CBS News, 31 May 2026
Wallen’s career has been marked by several other controversies, including a 2020 arrest on public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges after being kicked out of Kid Rock’s bar in downtown Nashville.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
For all the negative coverage, aesthetic arguments about climbing styles, the controversies and disasters, Everest continues to be at the heart of so many dreams and ambitions — even for old hands, like Cotter.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
The criticism of this process is reminiscent of more momentous controversies in the traditional financial world, where small groups of traders had the power to swing much bigger markets.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
Cornyn is also backed by the campaign arm of Senate Republicans and many of his Senate colleagues have stood by his side despite the president's endorsement, citing their belief that Paxton’s past controversies could put this safe Republican seat at risk.
—Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 26 May 2026
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 June 2026
The circumstances surrounding the exits vary, ranging from routine retirements, campus controversies, personal peccadillos, serious health issues, fractious relationships between campus leaders and governing boards, and visions of greener pastures.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The text messages are just the latest in a string of controversies surrounding Platner.
—Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 1 June 2026
This is in addition to other past controversies.
—CBS News, 31 May 2026
Wallen’s career has been marked by several other controversies, including a 2020 arrest on public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges after being kicked out of Kid Rock’s bar in downtown Nashville.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
For all the negative coverage, aesthetic arguments about climbing styles, the controversies and disasters, Everest continues to be at the heart of so many dreams and ambitions — even for old hands, like Cotter.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
The criticism of this process is reminiscent of more momentous controversies in the traditional financial world, where small groups of traders had the power to swing much bigger markets.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
Cornyn is also backed by the campaign arm of Senate Republicans and many of his Senate colleagues have stood by his side despite the president's endorsement, citing their belief that Paxton’s past controversies could put this safe Republican seat at risk.
—Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversies
Noun
-
His brief tenure was characterized by disputes with the president over North Korea, Iran and Ukraine.—
Eric Tucker,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
Community associations have found themselves in the spotlight recently with headlines about rising maintenance fees, contentious board decisions, and disputes between residents and leadership.—
Niurys Robaina,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
According to him, advances in machine learning have yanked questions once trapped inside theological/philosophical disputations into corporate board packs.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Internal disagreements over strategy, including the role of tech donors, also emerged as a key reason Mahan failed to take off.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
7 June 2026
-
The disagreements seem to be one-way in that the sheriff wants to change the wording of agreements now rather than on the contract’s closing date.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
Noun
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The jury, under the excellent presidency of Park Chan-wook, who was both generous and confident, had extremely varied and highly democratic debates.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
4 June 2026
-
Giant has provoked so many think-pieces and conversations and debates, which have caused people to flock to the show — you guys made your money back in 10 weeks, which just doesn’t happen.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
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In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
There may be some differences between the audio and the text.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
-
But Monday’s seismic NFL news signals their differences.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Durso alleged that Valle was upset after the previous altercations and lost his cool when his friend’s vehicle was damaged by the crowd of youths who rocked and shook the vehicle Valle and his friends arrived in.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2026
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Charles Melton plays an American GI named Private K who’s trying to locate his daughter and keeps getting into bloody altercations.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Noun
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During closing arguments before the jury Tuesday, Grossman’s attorney, Esther Holm, echoed that claim.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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Beyond arguments for or against new revenue-generating measures, the measure drew skepticism from some arts advocates.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversies. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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