controversy

noun

con·​tro·​ver·​sy ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē 

British also kən-ˈträ-və-sē

plural controversies

1

: a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute

The decision aroused a controversy among the students.

The movie is a subject of controversy.

2

: quarrel, strife

3

law : a civil action

The judicial power shall extend … to controversies to which the United States shall be a party …

—U.S. Constitution

Synonyms of controversy

• dispute
• altercation
• disagreement
• quarrel
• argument
• fight
• misunderstanding

Examples of controversy in a Sentence

The decision aroused much controversy among the students.

The new movie is a subject of controversy.

There is controversy surrounding the team's decision to trade the star pitcher.

The controversy is over whether he should be fired or not.

A controversy arose over the new law.

Recent Examples on the Web

Commanders understood that virtually any encounter involving a guardsman could be filmed and turned into a national controversy, potentially damaging an institution that continues to enjoy broad public confidence. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Asked about those changes and the growing scrutiny of the UFW's legacy, Huerta defended the organization's historic work on behalf of farmworkers while acknowledging the controversy surrounding Chavez. — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Over on Reddit and other online forums, Pitt’s return to drinking has stirred controversy, especially from people who are in recovery themselves or who grew up with loved ones who abused alcohol. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Meghan Markle sparked controversy shortly after her UK visit in July 2026, allegedly posting a photo of Prince Harry and their kids carrying flowers to the late Princess Diana’s final resting place. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin controversia, from controversus disputable, literally, turned against, from contro- (akin to contra-) + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for controversy

• circe
• kersey
• mercy
• gramercy

Kids Definition

controversy

noun

con·​tro·​ver·​sy ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē 

plural controversies

1

: a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute

2

: quarrel entry 1 sense 2, strife

Etymology

Middle English controversie, from early French (same meaning), from Latin controversia "act or cause of disagreeing, dispute," literally, "something turned against or to the contrary," from contro-, contra- "against, contrary" and versus "turned," from vertere "to turn" — related to anniversary, converse, divert, versatile

Legal Definition

controversy

noun

con·​tro·​ver·​sy ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē Brit also kən-ˈträ-vər-sē 

plural controversies

1

: a state of dispute or disagreement

suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars

—U.S. Constitution amend. VII

2

: a civil action involving a real and immediate dispute between parties with adverse interests

Note: Article III of the U.S. Constitution gives the judiciary the power to decide cases and controversies. Article III's limitation of the judicial power to cases or controversies requires that an action brought in the federal court involve parties with standing to sue and questions that are ripe and not moot.

controversial

ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl, -ˈvər-sē-əl 

adjective