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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of controversies
Agencies that have seemingly avoided political controversies, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), would also see their budgets cut by over half.
—
ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026
Though Ye apologized to the Jewish community in 2023, the controversies continued.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Apr. 2026
What is designed as a ceremonial visit, however, risks becoming a test of the monarchy's willingness to confront one of the royal family's most persistent controversies.
—Karla Adam The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2026
Amid numerous controversies around chatbot therapy or AI giving bad (or dangerous) medical advice, one healthcare provider is betting you will and has received regulatory approval in the state of Utah to do so.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent controversies in the publishing world around the use of artificial intelligence have shocked some people who think of writing as a pure, individual art form.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
These controversies are, understandably, concerning and leave many of us feeling betrayed.
—Craig MacLellan, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Here's a closer look at some of Bondi's controversies as attorney general.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Historically, one way or another, Ye has managed to power through his many controversies to deliver something unpredictable at his concerts.
—Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026
Though Ye apologized to the Jewish community in 2023, the controversies continued.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Apr. 2026
What is designed as a ceremonial visit, however, risks becoming a test of the monarchy's willingness to confront one of the royal family's most persistent controversies.
—Karla Adam The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2026
Amid numerous controversies around chatbot therapy or AI giving bad (or dangerous) medical advice, one healthcare provider is betting you will and has received regulatory approval in the state of Utah to do so.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent controversies in the publishing world around the use of artificial intelligence have shocked some people who think of writing as a pure, individual art form.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
These controversies are, understandably, concerning and leave many of us feeling betrayed.
—Craig MacLellan, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Here's a closer look at some of Bondi's controversies as attorney general.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Historically, one way or another, Ye has managed to power through his many controversies to deliver something unpredictable at his concerts.
—Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversies
Noun
-
It was sent by a Southern California attorney who has represented Citizens for Positive Growth & Preservation in legal disputes with Sacramento for over a decade.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
-
In many mining districts, criminal organizations effectively govern territory, controlling entry, resolving disputes and enforcing authority through violence.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 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
-
Ongoing military activity and disagreements over Iran’s control of key shipping routes have left the diplomatic effort vulnerable to collapse.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Already, the two-week ceasefire appears at risk of fraying over significant disagreements between the parties, which each are claiming victory in the war.—
David Klepper,
Fortune,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Salvadoran national’s case has become a flash point in immigration debates after he was mistakenly deported last year and forcibly brought back.—
Travis Loller,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Long before debates about sampling and credit dominated music discourse, Vanilla Ice made history in 1990 by becoming the first hip-hop artist to top the Billboard Hot 100.—
Ryan Brennan
April 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Avoid money quarrels with everyone.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
-
His quarrels with Massie and interest in relitigating the 2020 election seem to animate him more, too.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries should set aside partisan differences and publicly commend our military’s efforts.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Even modest differences in compliance costs can influence where new facilities are built or existing operations expand.—
John Cleveland,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Other footage from that night captured different individuals dancing and socializing in the city's streets, while other moments showed people climbing on cars and brief altercations within the crowd.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Participants have at times made their own license plates, ID, taken over other people’s property and had numerous violent altercations with police.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Combs, currently in federal prison in New Jersey, won't be at Thursday morning's arguments before a panel of three federal appellate judges.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The jury began deliberating shortly after closing arguments Wednesday afternoon.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversies. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
