Synonyms of controversy

controversy

noun

ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē 

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

• dispute
• altercation
• disagreement
• quarrel
• argument
• fight
• misunderstanding
• bicker
• brawl
• imbroglio
• debate
• disputation
• squabble
• row
• spat
• feud
• contretemps
• skirmish
• falling-out
• tiff
• battle royal
• set-to
• clash
• wrangle
• cross fire
• donnybrook
• kickup
• rhubarb
• tussle
• difference
• argy-bargy
• argle-bargle
• hassle
• tangle
• protest
• scrap
• run-in
• contention
• dissension
• objection
• vendetta
• logomachy
• attack
• protestation
• fuss
• fisticuffs
• fracas
• catfight
• melee
• affray
• fray
• free-for-all

2

as in debate

variance of opinion on a matter

there is considerable controversy regarding the assassination of President Kennedy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dispute
• debate
• disputation
• disagreement
• difference
• firestorm
• dissension
• contestation
• contention
• difficulty
• conflict
• nonconcurrence
• dissensus
• discord
• argument
• clash
• dissonance
• confliction
• quarrel
• collision
• strife
• struggle
• misunderstanding
• fight
• altercation
• disaccord
• falling-out
• combat
• division
• set-to
• divarication
• apartness
• bicker
• kickup

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• consensus
• harmony
• acceptance
• compliance
• accord
• unanimity
• peace
• concord

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of controversy

In part this is because New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, also a fervent anti-Zionist, attracted so much attention and controversy in his campaign last year that El-Sayed’s run feels like a tamer sequel. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Makeba and trumpeter Masekela accompanied Simon on the Graceland tour despite the controversy. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026

And having Swift in the stadium has come with a lot of controversy, as football fans weren’t happy about how much the cameras were on Swift in the first place. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 July 2026

The Oscar winner and his family became French citizens in late December 2025, a move that sparked some controversy. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 30 July 2026