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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of controversial Many prioritize research around less controversial psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA derivatives for mental health treatment. —
Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026 In the Hornets’ biggest win of the season — that controversial play-in, 127-126 home overtime victory over Miami on April 14 — Knueppel didn’t score in the fourth quarter or overtime. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026 Last year, the Coastal Commission voted unanimously to not join environmentalists who opposed a controversial housing reform law. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026 The White House last week warned staff not to engage in insider trading on prediction markets platforms following controversial trades related to the Iran war. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for controversial
Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026 In the Hornets’ biggest win of the season — that controversial play-in, 127-126 home overtime victory over Miami on April 14 — Knueppel didn’t score in the fourth quarter or overtime. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026 Last year, the Coastal Commission voted unanimously to not join environmentalists who opposed a controversial housing reform law. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026 The White House last week warned staff not to engage in insider trading on prediction markets platforms following controversial trades related to the Iran war. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for controversial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversial
Adjective
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Already the jobs issue in Hollywood has become a contentious part of the race for governor in California, with several candidates pledging to eliminate the $750 million cap put in place by Newsom, which already was more than double what the state was previously capped at.— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2026
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The Kelly Tractor project is contentious enough that Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in February vetoed the commission’s approval of the plan.— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Colleges and universities nationwide continue to grapple with polemic issues associated with the fair treatment of individuals of differing backgrounds, political persuasions, and sexuality.— Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
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This kind of depravity, licentiousness and polemical theatrics has no place on such a traditional and once wholesome presentation of the coming of a new year in our great nation and especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Paolo Banchero set the tone early with an aggressive, assertive first half that dictated the flow of the game.— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
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Many were acquired between 2019 and 2022 at elevated valuations and financed with aggressive leverage, assumptions that are now being tested in a higher-rate environment.— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Controversial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/controversial. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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