1
as in dispute
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 debate
variance of opinion on a matter
there is considerable controversy regarding the assassination of President Kennedy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of controversy
Tuesday’s exchange was the second time in recent weeks a court storm has created controversy.
—
Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The controversy is the latest in a series of scandals that Peru’s Presidents have become embroiled in.
—Connor Greene, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
Zenkel’s comments came during a wide-ranging interview with Sportico that touched on the recent implosion of gold medal figure skating favorite Ilia Malinin, as well as the controversy surrounding LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman, the latter of which can be read here.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Russell says the Mandelson and Doyle controversies show the need to change the way Lords members are chosen.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversy
Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The controversy is the latest in a series of scandals that Peru’s Presidents have become embroiled in.
—Connor Greene, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
Zenkel’s comments came during a wide-ranging interview with Sportico that touched on the recent implosion of gold medal figure skating favorite Ilia Malinin, as well as the controversy surrounding LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman, the latter of which can be read here.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Russell says the Mandelson and Doyle controversies show the need to change the way Lords members are chosen.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversy
Noun
-
But before the action alights in the location of the latest dispute between adjacent property owners to catch the eye of directors Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford (yes, grandson of Robert), the shot fills with the telltale red, white and blue of the American flag.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
While Japan has seized fishing vessels from South Korea and Taiwan in recent years, the incident is the first involving a vessel from China since 2022 and comes against the backdrop of a major diplomatic dispute between the countries.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But whether our collective desire has been sated is up for (a lot of) debate.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The Berlinale has long been considered a forum for political expression and a crucible for debate about important world affairs, but avoiding political comment has seemingly been a trend at this year’s event, whether by chance, design or out of fear.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Dorgan had attended other hockey games without issue, and there’s no evidence so far that an altercation had occurred at the rink before the killings.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
-
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Transformers actor was arrested in New Orleans after an alleged physical altercation outside of a Royal Street business.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Feb. 2026
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
-
Jake is a single father who has brought Kristen up in the severe Calvinist tradition, marked by Bible disputations of Talmudic intricacy and by a radical detachment from secular and popular culture.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2023
Noun
-
This is not necessarily a disagreement with the party itself, but with certain practices that limit openness.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Debates and disagreements have gotten personal.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The victim was stabbed multiple times in the back as the quarrel escalated, police said.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
This time, the quarrel between state and Hamilton County leaders is about language, slipped into a lengthy bill, that would nullify rental cap ordinances.—
Jake Allen,
IndyStar,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Robert Herman, Paul Radvany and Walt De Treaux issued their decision Saturday, a day after hearing arguments.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The two erupt in argument, in misunderstanding, with John confessing his anger at his lot.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
How much were you involved in choreographing the fight scenes?—
Carole Horst,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
-
My record is one of an effective lawmaker who never backs down from a fight.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversy. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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