1
as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
tried to avoid controversial topics over the holiday dinner table
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polemical
given to arguing
controversial by temperament, she's the sort of political attack dog who kills all hope of bipartisanship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of controversial
This vessel has a controversial past, built by Nazi Germany in 1935 as SSS *Horst Wessel*, named after a Nazi martyr, before being taken as war reparations by the US.
—
Peter Suciu,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Rowling's controversial politics have complicated the legacy of Harry Potter for both the fans of the series and the actors who originally brought it to life on the big screen.
—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
Prolific through the ensuing decades, Byrne appeared in a string of high-profile films throughout the 1990s, including the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and Bryan Singer’s controversial Apt Pupil.
—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
Inspired by Luther Vernacular Bible translations became more common – but no less controversial – thanks to Martin Luther.
—
Michael Bruening,
The Conversation,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Peter Suciu,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Rowling's controversial politics have complicated the legacy of Harry Potter for both the fans of the series and the actors who originally brought it to life on the big screen.
—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
Prolific through the ensuing decades, Byrne appeared in a string of high-profile films throughout the 1990s, including the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and Bryan Singer’s controversial Apt Pupil.
—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
Inspired by Luther Vernacular Bible translations became more common – but no less controversial – thanks to Martin Luther.
—
Michael Bruening,
The Conversation,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
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These groups tackle politically contentious issues like immigration, human rights, and the environment.
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However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.
Adjective
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Now, in the 1500s and 1600s, that phrase was often used by Catholics in their polemical war against Protestants.
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Tarring someone with the pedant brush is polemical, of course.
Adjective
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The goal is gentle smoke and indirect heat rather than aggressive flames.
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Right now, the multi-trillion-dollar global apparel industry is undergoing an aggressive technological shift, adopting artificial intelligence as a production standard rather than an experimental pilot.
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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