as in argued
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controverted
Verb
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And the prosecutors argued that Lauer’s decision to wait eight years after the initial FBI raid to enter a guilty plea should result in a longer sentence.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
10 Mar. 2026 -
The district argued there was another year left before there were five failed ratings in a row, but the judge panel struck down this argument, among others.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Jokic and Oklahoma City’s players had bothered each other and bickered all night.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
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The actors jokingly bickered about their history with the ceremony, with Cheadle remarking that Clooney hadn’t won since 2026 winner Timothée Chalamet was 3 years old.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Instead of bold action, English said, European leaders have quarreled over internal divisions and rivalries.—
Gavin J. Quinton
March 10,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
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Last year, the Legislature didn’t finalize its budget until two weeks before the annual budget cycle ended because the House and Senate quarreled over how to close a $4 billion spending gap.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Throughout the litigation, Live Nation disputed the government’s theory, insisting that its success reflects the superiority of its product and the preferences of venues and consumers.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Mar. 2026
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Its precise origins are still disputed, with British heritage brands Aquascutum (sadly out of business) and Burberry both taking credit.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Although the Bucks fought their way back into the game multiple times and prevented the Heat from running away with the game, Miami never trailed.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2026
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Prior to the calamitous war following the attacks of October 7, 2023, Israel fought five wars with Hamas, between 2008 and 2021.—
Bernard Avishai,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Controverted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controverted. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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