controversial
adjective
con·tro·ver·sial
ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl 
-ˈvər-sē-əl
1
: of, relating to, or arousing controversy
a controversial policy
a controversial film
2
: given to controversy : disputatious
a controversial temperament
The controversial biologist caused a ferment among his colleagues.
controversially
adverb
Examples of controversial in a Sentence
Abortion is a highly controversial subject.
a decision that remains controversial
He is a controversial author.
Recent Examples on the Web
Day, a 13-time PGA Tour winner and the winner of the 2015 PGA Championship, revealed this week that he was asked to remove his controversial sweater vest at last year’s Masters, during a round in which he was partnered with Tiger Woods.
—
Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
But Sound of Freedom, while popular with conservative audiences, was also controversial.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Cholesterol and Heart Health The keto diet's effects on cholesterol levels and heart health remain controversial.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
Bezos was also behind The Washington Post’s controversial decision not to endorse a presidential candidate in the 2024 election.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
But Sound of Freedom, while popular with conservative audiences, was also controversial.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Cholesterol and Heart Health The keto diet's effects on cholesterol levels and heart health remain controversial.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
Bezos was also behind The Washington Post’s controversial decision not to endorse a presidential candidate in the 2024 election.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
controversial
adjective
con·tro·ver·sial
ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-shəl
-ˈvər-sē-əl
: relating to or causing controversy
a controversial movie
controversially
adverb
-ē
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