controversial

[ kon-truh-vur-shuhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of controversy, or prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; polemical:

   a controversial book.

2. subject to controversy; debatable:

   a controversial decision.

   Synonyms: questionable, arguable

3. given to controversy; argumentative; disputatious:

   a controversial public figure.

Other Words From

• contro·versial·ism noun
• contro·versial·ist noun
• contro·versial·ly adverb
• noncon·tro·versial adjective
• noncon·tro·versial·ly adverb
• precon·tro·versial adjective
• uncon·tro·versial adjective
• uncon·tro·versial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of controversial¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin contrōversiālis; equivalent to controversy + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Gabbard has also made a string of controversial statements relating to Russia and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

From BBC

The act's most controversial element, the offer of conditional immunity to suspects, was dropped following legal action by bereaved families.

From BBC

Rachel Reeves' budget proved controversial in the agricultural sector after she announced an end to exemptions for some farms.

From BBC

Admitting that to say it was controversial was an "understatement", she said there had been a significant reduction in accidents.

From BBC

New Zealand's parliament was brought to a temporary halt by MPs performing a haka, amid anger over a controversial bill seeking to reinterpret the country's founding treaty with Māori people.

From BBC

Related Words

• contentious
• disputed
• dubious
• questionable