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
The controversy goes beyond France.
—
Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
Former California Controller Betty Yee, also a Democrat, said the controversy has shifted voter focus.
—Steve Large, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The admissions chapter may generate the most controversy.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
Under Kramer’s leadership, the perception of the office has been influenced by its high accuracy in property assessments but also controversy.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversy
Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
Former California Controller Betty Yee, also a Democrat, said the controversy has shifted voter focus.
—Steve Large, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The admissions chapter may generate the most controversy.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
Under Kramer’s leadership, the perception of the office has been influenced by its high accuracy in property assessments but also controversy.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversy
Noun
-
There are also disputes over land and grazing between mostly Muslim Fulani herders and largely Christian farming communities frequently escalate into deadly clashes in the north-central and northwestern part of the country.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The Federal Trade Commission and StubHub this week settled a dispute over allegations that StubHub concealed the actual, total prices of tickets over a three-day period in May 2025.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His government promulgated a new constitution after just nine days of debate in the National Assembly.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
-
State funding levels, including Proposition 98 allocations, have also factored into the debate, with union leaders arguing revenue projections are stronger than the district has indicated.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An alleged altercation in April 2024 involving Ye and a man — identified in court documents as John Doe — is at the core of the complaint.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
-
In February, police were also called during an altercation involving Moore and Nesta before a mayoral debate.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This did not, however, mark the end of disputation concerning the Northwest Angle.—
Scott Spires,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
19 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
Ongoing military activity in the Middle East and disagreements over Iran’s control of key shipping routes have left the diplomatic effort vulnerable to collapse before the talks even begin.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The disagreement has also offered a preview of politics on the city’s newest Democratic body.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This followed a quarrel between two separate parties within the group.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
This disagreement became our favorite quarrel.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Our kids grew up in a house where arguments were the norm.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Duncan, for his part, tried to strike a balance between supporting the Royals — and his support for a downtown stadium — and the argument over what the city’s role in that discussion should be.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Republican candidates, State Senator Mayes Middleton and Central Texas Congressman Chip Roy, are in a very contentious fight.—
Jack Fink
April 12,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The crowd laughed, and the Parenthood actor noted that people intervened and broke up the fight.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversy. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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