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Definitions

controversial

[kon-truh-vur-shuhl] / ˌkɒn trəˈvɜr ʃəl /
ADJECTIVE
at issue
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contentious disputed dubious questionable
WEAK
arguable argumentative contended contestable controvertible debateable disputable disputatious doubtable doubtful dubitable in dispute litigious moot open to discussion open to question polemical suspect uncertain under discussion
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain definite sure
WEAK
agreeable incontrovertible peaceful uncontroversial undisputed undoubted unquestionable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Since then, multiple issues contributed to the unusually long delay including Levinson’s pivot to work on the controversial and short-lived HBO series “The Idol” about the perils of the music industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Paramount President Jeff Shell agreed to exit the company after being entangled in a legal battle with a controversial Las Vegas gambler and self-styled “fixer.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

"Sometimes, reexamining controversial fossils with new techniques reveals tiny clues that lead to really exciting discoveries."

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Just because a topic is controversial doesn’t mean that it should be dismissed.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Another explanation has been advanced which, though controversial, is intriguing.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson