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View synonyms for controversial

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.



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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of controversial1

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

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Example Sentences

Jones is a veteran of another beloved-yet-controversial animated series on Adult Swim, The Boondocks.

That is why The Daily Beast stands with Charlie Hebdo and published their controversial covers in the wake of the attack.

While this deferred action is controversial in the United States, in Mexico, what Obama did is universally popular.

The Eighty-ninth Congress was potentially more fertile ground for the broad range of controversial programs on his dream agenda.

Zufi understands that his work can be controversial to many within his community.

He was the author of many learned theological works and controversial publications.

Joseph Blanco White, an English preacher and controversial writer, died, aged 67.

John Penry, an English controversial writer, executed for heresy against the episcopacy.

As time passed, the old question of the state debt loomed more important and more controversial than ever.

I may equally charge controversial writers with fraud, when they falsify the words or arguments of an opponent.

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control variablecontroversy