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 None of this requires a return to the controversies of corporate activism of the early 2020s. — Scott M. Curran, Fortune, 26 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 Across those years, Pereira’s conduct generated controversies and public disputes throughout Toronto’s film community. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026 Much like Cornyn did in the primary, Democrats have centered their attacks on Paxton's personal and political controversies. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Congress made this Court’s jurisdiction over controversies between two or more states exclusive. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Given Babcock’s stubbornness and past controversies, Smith may also be given more agency to question his head coach’s decisions. — Janson Duench, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Collins campaign has been mired in a series of controversies, while Ossoff is generating presidential buzz among some Democrats. — Chris Joyner, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Now, the top elections official in a conservative California county with a long history of voting controversies is seeking to hire her to help run elections there. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversies

Noun

In the music industry, AI remains controversial and the subject of ongoing legal disputes.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026
Leadership training disputes The lawsuit alleges Petersen began subjecting Kennon to discriminatory treatment around January 2024, including talking down to her, ignoring her and questioning her judgment.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of disputes

Noun

In an appearance on Semafor’s Mixed Signals in the wake of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s win, Piker expressed dismay at being invoked in intra-Democratic debates.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
One of the key debates around Nvidia's stock has become whether its customers will generate sufficient returns on their AI computing infrastructure to justify continued spending on the company's chips and networking gear.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 Aug. 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

Meanwhile in Iran, officials’ responses to the threats from the US appear to show some differences within its leadership over how to proceed with the war.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Canada’s response to Trump’s persistent tariff saber rattling has also illustrated key differences in the way North American trading partners are approaching trade in the 21st century.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of differences

Noun

Simple assault are altercations and incidents that don’t involve weapons or serious injuries, including domestic incidents.

— Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
In court filings, ex-wife Emily Moreno alleged that Miller has repeatedly had physical and verbal altercations with her attorney, Andrew Zashin, after recent court hearings in an ongoing custody battle.

— Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of altercations

Noun

In May 2026, oral arguments were held before the Fouth Circuit Court of Appeals.

— Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
Opening arguments started last week in the landmark trial against Meta that’s being co-led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the AGs from Colorado, New Jersey and Kentucky.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of arguments

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controversies

controversy

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“Controversies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversies. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of controversies

noun

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