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
Zarin is not the only former housewife to have expressed a controversial opinion about Bad Bunny’s halftime show.
—
Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Although some of those actions were paused by a federal court and have not taken effect, those ACA critics, some of whom have produced controversial estimates that millions may have been improperly enrolled, say that’s behind the decline.
—Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
The former mayor is accused of accepting bribes from Andy Duong and his father, David, in the form of financing for controversial election mailers ahead of the November 2022 election, as well as a lucrative job for Thao’s romantic partner, Andre Jones.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Part of Nick Wright‘s job is to broadcast controversial sports opinions, and on Bill Simmons’ The Ringer podcast, the First Things First host did not disappoint.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Although some of those actions were paused by a federal court and have not taken effect, those ACA critics, some of whom have produced controversial estimates that millions may have been improperly enrolled, say that’s behind the decline.
—Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
The former mayor is accused of accepting bribes from Andy Duong and his father, David, in the form of financing for controversial election mailers ahead of the November 2022 election, as well as a lucrative job for Thao’s romantic partner, Andre Jones.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Part of Nick Wright‘s job is to broadcast controversial sports opinions, and on Bill Simmons’ The Ringer podcast, the First Things First host did not disappoint.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controversial. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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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