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 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 The designer also referenced the controversies that upended his professional career and earned him a criminal record in Paris. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Here’s a look back at the biggest controversies in Met Gala history. — Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 Target has seen sales slump recently blamed on inflation, backlash over diversity, equity and inclusion policy changes and product controversies. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 Summary Recent marketing controversies, including Callaway and Good Good Golf's offensive ad and Target's insensitive Halloween costume, highlight significant failures in brand approval processes. — Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Unfortunately, the recent controversies around images of Ariana Grande and other actresses have made this argument less binary. — Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversies

Noun

Miller has previously been at the center of ABS disputes while serving as crew chief for Reds games.

— Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
An e-bike ban at Newport Beach schools has sparked disputes between students and neighbors over kids parking in their neighborhoods.

— Michele Gile, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disputes

Noun

His first job out of law school was as a judge’s clerk at the Court of Appeal of New Zealand, giving him a front-row seat to consequential decisions—and to people who could disagree fiercely without letting those disagreements become personal.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
And, despite trade disagreements, visitors can still get cheddar and bacon soup and filet mignon from the Canada pavilion.

— Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 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

Palal acknowledged that Davis’ accounts of the killing evolved over the years but argued those differences reflected Davis’ changing motivations and efforts to protect himself.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
This approach improved statistical reliability while still allowing regional differences in climate and heat adaptation to be reflected.

— Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 31 Aug. 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

Noun

The judge issued his ruling at the conclusion of a court session Tuesday, which continued the preliminary hearing that was largely held over a week in early July before a nearly two-month recess to prepare for closing arguments.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
While the class was divided between protectionists and free-traders, the teacher gave no indication of his own views, and the textbook presented objective facts along with arguments from both sides.

— Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of arguments

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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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of controversies

noun

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