CONTROVERT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

controvert

verb

ˈkän-trə-ˌvərt

Definition of controvert

as in to argue

to express different opinions about something often angrily ever since the poem was first published, critics and scholars have controverted over the meaning of its concluding lines

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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 controvert Those then who controvert the principle that the constitution is to be considered, in court, as a paramount law, are reduced to the necessity of maintaining that courts must close their eyes on the constitution, and see only the law. — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025 Even assuming this is true (and this description will be controverted at trial), a monopoly by itself does not violate the antitrust laws. — Alden Abbott, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 The appellate court noted that the woman’s testimony was controverted. — Virginia Hammerle, Dallas News, 16 May 2023 During the upcoming weeks and through the appeal a slew of additional credible and controverting evidence will come to light. — Ben Shpigel, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for controvert

Verb

That’s why the oil market may be underpricing that risk, argued Tompkins.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
The more pragmatic camp argues that maintaining unity during the war requires addressing the public's unhappiness over the economy as well as political and social repression.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

After bickering with Percy over her involvement in the mission, Thalia ultimately drives away from the scene.

— Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
Establishment figures such as Jeffries and the party’s 2028 presidential candidates will need to grasp that the relationship between the DSA and the Democratic Party is not one of occasionally bickering siblings, but of parasite and host.

— James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

Definition of bicker

Verb

After their return to the Negev Lot and Abraham both have large flocks of livestock, but their herders begin to quarrel.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
In fact, Twain might well have quarreled with the whole premise of celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

— Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Definition of quarrel

Verb

If your body has been asking you in a few ways to slow down (like feeling a cough coming on, or a tiredness that won’t shake off), stop fighting against what your body or heart is trying to tell you.

— Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Only one helicopter was able to scoop water from the sea to fight the blaze.

— Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

controversy

controvert

controverted

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“Controvert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controvert. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of controvert

verb

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