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
But the monarch had no choice – Andrew’s controversies have been dogging the family for years and the publication of his accuser’s posthumous memoir was the final straw.
—
Max Foster, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
With accusations, online feuds, emotional exits, and pointed jabs traded between professional dancers and contestants, the series has seen a wave of controversies that have captivated fans.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
But the absence of genuine romance this season, coupled with several controversies over the past few years, has fueled disdain for the series from some fans who say the show has become unwatchable.
—Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
For travelers, the new Delta flight route represents a more direct bridge to one of the world’s most talked-about destinations of late—both for its cultural renaissance and for its controversies and complexities.
—AFAR Media, 28 Oct. 2025
While the band is preparing for its return to the spotlight, past controversies continue to follow them.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025
Cuomo, meanwhile, has been haunted by past controversies during his campaign.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Sanders reaffirmed his support for Platner despite the controversies, NBC News reported.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
But the lines are becoming increasingly blurred in numerous other controversies that have fomented since Kirk’s death.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2025
Max Foster, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
With accusations, online feuds, emotional exits, and pointed jabs traded between professional dancers and contestants, the series has seen a wave of controversies that have captivated fans.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
But the absence of genuine romance this season, coupled with several controversies over the past few years, has fueled disdain for the series from some fans who say the show has become unwatchable.
—Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
For travelers, the new Delta flight route represents a more direct bridge to one of the world’s most talked-about destinations of late—both for its cultural renaissance and for its controversies and complexities.
—AFAR Media, 28 Oct. 2025
While the band is preparing for its return to the spotlight, past controversies continue to follow them.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025
Cuomo, meanwhile, has been haunted by past controversies during his campaign.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Sanders reaffirmed his support for Platner despite the controversies, NBC News reported.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
But the lines are becoming increasingly blurred in numerous other controversies that have fomented since Kirk’s death.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversies
Noun
-
Thousands of both Christians and Muslims have been killed, with violence also stemming from non-religious disputes, such as those over natural resources.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The ongoing 36-day closure has sparked disputes over a range of topics — from the separation of powers and the federal workforce, to food assistance and air traffic control.—
Sam Gringlas,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
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
-
In one of many disagreements, the FOP criticized Jennings for not allowing patrol officers to wear outer carrier vests.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Here’s why their disagreements keep happening and Sethi’s advice for how to manage money together better.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Since the advent of the transfer portal and the rise of name, image and likeness (NIL), there have been countless debates about how to create and adjust a system to establish guardrails when necessary.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Heated debates are occurring about the soul of the Republican Party and the direction of the conservative movement, many of which surfaced in the days leading up to the election.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Hip-Hop has equally thrived on legendary quarrels and strong relationships.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
However, lovers’ quarrels or difficulty dealing with children (hissy fits or meltdowns) might occur.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
All eyes were on how the leaders of the world’s two biggest economies would sort out their differences on a range of topics from soybeans and fentanyl to rare earth minerals and high-end computer chips.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
-
That’s largely due to small sample sizes and differences in study methods and probiotic formulations.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Other behaviors that commonly cause altercations during flights include shouting, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, and reclining your seat without consideration for the person sitting behind.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Masters of provocation, the Nazi paramilitaries often marched through left-wing neighborhoods, hoping for violent altercations.—
Time,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The constant arguments during quarantine.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The judges in a federal appeals court in New York on Tuesday were skeptical of arguments by a lawyer for Sam Bankman-Fried that his conviction for a multi-billion-dollar fraud related to his cryptocurrency exchange FTX and an associated hedge fund should be tossed out.—
Dawn Giel,Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Controversies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversies. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share