CONTROVERSIES Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

controversies

noun

plural of controversy

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

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 In that race, Sundlun was facing multiple controversies and voter fatigue while York ran on reform. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026 The Stars and Stripes jumped out to a 19-8 lead by the end of the first quarter and held on to win by a score of 55-52, though the contest wasn't without its fair share of lead changes and controversies. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026 During her time on stage, Raman described the controversies as a larger trend in the Bass administration. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Imagine a proactive, authoritative voice confronting the wide and varied controversies the WNBA has dealt with this summer. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 And the other is that paper receipts are a ~$5B business, complete with their own lobby groups and health controversies. — HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026 There are several films that can start controversies or, at the very least, provoke very strong political reactions. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 Asked about the streaming event about those controversies, Bloys demurred. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Here’s a look back at the biggest controversies in Met Gala history. — Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversies

Noun

Gilbertson’s involvement in the ports grew out of a series of chaotic mergers that in the 1990s led to endless disputes among shippers and the railroads about whose cargo would move first.

— John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Trump declined to endorse Thune for a future term as leader amid disputes over passing the SAVE America Act and eliminating the filibuster.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of disputes

Noun

For example, in Ozaukee County disagreements near Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve have prompted discussion of permanent signs and a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources determination establishing the ordinary high-water mark.

— Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Between small celebrations, hospital visits and disagreements about how to care for her, a mysterious presence of bulls begins to surround the house.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of disagreements

Noun

Which way silverware should be placed in a dishwasher is the subject of hot debates.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
Kirk founded Turning Point USA and became one of the most recognizable conservative activists in the country through campus tours, political commentary and public debates that often attracted both supporters and protesters.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of debates

Noun

On the new series, some House of Stassi castmembers raised their quarrels with Maloney joining their cast.

— McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026
Candi is the family mediator Like any father-daughter coaching dynamic, Corey and Coco have had their fair share of quarrels on the tennis court.

— Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Definition of quarrels

Noun

Some differences between the 2004 plan for downtown and the 2026 plan for Crown Center jump out, including the number of projects and improvements listed.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2026
For more on the differences, see our guide to whether bank text codes are enough to protect you.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of differences

Noun

After marching from Crocker Park in downtown Sacramento, the protest groups engaged in verbal and physical altercations across a barricade formed by law enforcement officers.

— Hannah Ruhoff, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Simple assault are altercations and incidents that don’t involve weapons or serious injuries, including domestic incidents.

— Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of altercations

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controversial

controversies

controversy

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“Controversies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversies. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of controversies

noun

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