Synonyms of controversies

controversies

noun

plural of controversy

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

• disputes
• disagreements
• quarrels
• altercations
• arguments
• fights
• misunderstandings
• bickers
• brawls
• imbroglios
• squabbles
• disputations
• debates
• feuds
• skirmishes
• contretemps
• wrangles
• rows
• clashes
• spats
• tiffs
• differences
• donnybrooks
• cross fires
• battles royal
• fallings-out
• rhubarbs
• tussles
• kickups
• hassles
• scraps
• argle-bargles
• tangles
• protests
• set-tos
• contentions
• argy-bargies
• objections
• vendettas
• attacks
• run-ins
• protestations
• dissensions
• logomachies
• fisticuffs
• catfights
• fracases
• melees
• affrays
• fusses
• frays
• free-for-alls

2

as in disputations

variance of opinion on a matter

there is considerable controversy regarding the assassination of President Kennedy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disputes
• disputations
• debates
• disagreements
• differences
• contestations
• contentions
• difficulties
• firestorms
• dissensions
• conflicts
• conflictions
• clashes
• nonconcurrences
• arguments
• quarrels
• dissensuses
• discords
• dissonances
• collisions
• struggles
• fights
• misunderstandings
• altercations
• strifes
• divisions
• disaccords
• bickers
• divarications
• combats
• fallings-out
• kickups
• set-tos

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreements
• harmonies
• consensuses
• accords
• compliances
• acceptances
• unanimities
• concords
• peaces

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of controversies

Bass oversaw the reappointment of McDonnell’s predecessor, Michel Moore, shortly after her election and stood by him for a year through numerous controversies before Moore’s abrupt resignation in early 2024. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Always discreet, Felipe VI’s mother has weathered the controversies surrounding Juan Carlos and maintained a professional image dedicated to serving the Spanish people—one that her family circumstances have not tarnished. — Nuria Hernández, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026

Jubeh then released a statement Monday in response to questions about Gardiner’s controversies, saying Giannoulias’ support for him did not constitute an endorsement of the alderman’s reelection bid. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026

Harrigan said because Wall Street and Silicon Valley have seen similar controversies play out before, this scandal may simply be following the script of its predecessors. — Laya Neelakandan,dan Mangan, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2026

Both candidates faced controversies throughout the campaign, including a dispute over a May traffic stop in which Lombardo was pulled over for allegedly running a red light in Las Vegas. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026

As the counting of ballots continues, voting rights advocates are now looking ahead to any potential controversies over close races and the certification of results. — Miles Parks, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Paxton had weathered numerous controversies and was impeached by the state House in 2023 on allegations of bribery, obstruction of justice and abuse of trust. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

There is something called the Purcell Principle, based on a Supreme Court precedent, that federal courts as a rule should not wade into election controversies at a point in time that’s too close to when they’re being conducted. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026