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
However, Mason showed grit and powered his way to a controversial 12th-round TKO win in his hometown of Cleveland.
—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
The Athletic’s Stuart James and Thom Harris debate a controversial evening in Philadelphia.
—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
5 July 2026
Balogun received a controversial red card in the win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday in the World Cup round of 32 and was set to be out of Monday’s matchup in Seattle against Belgium.
—
Rod Beard,
AJC.com,
5 July 2026
On Wednesday, Balogun received a controversial red card for a foul, causing the top American goal scorer to be sent off the field during his squad’s 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
—
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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.
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
The Athletic’s Stuart James and Thom Harris debate a controversial evening in Philadelphia.
—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
5 July 2026
Balogun received a controversial red card in the win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday in the World Cup round of 32 and was set to be out of Monday’s matchup in Seattle against Belgium.
—
Rod Beard,
AJC.com,
5 July 2026
On Wednesday, Balogun received a controversial red card for a foul, causing the top American goal scorer to be sent off the field during his squad’s 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
—
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
5 July 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 6 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
