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
His acquisition of Twitter was controversial due to a subsequent increase in hate speech and the spread of misinformation on the service.
—
Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
The novel by Ellis was a groundbreaking and controversial work when it was published in 1991.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
The move was highly controversial and left a bitter taste in Hubert's mouth, which led to her publicly criticizing star Will Smith and the show numerous times throughout the years.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Her brunette hair featured the controversial side part with soft waves cascading to her shoulders.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for controversial
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Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
The novel by Ellis was a groundbreaking and controversial work when it was published in 1991.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
The move was highly controversial and left a bitter taste in Hubert's mouth, which led to her publicly criticizing star Will Smith and the show numerous times throughout the years.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Her brunette hair featured the controversial side part with soft waves cascading to her shoulders.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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