controversy
Americannoun
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controversies
plural
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a prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; disputation concerning a matter of opinion.
- Synonyms:
- altercation, disagreement
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contention, strife, or argument.
noun
Usage
What does controversy mean? A controversy is a prolonged dispute, debate, or state of contention, especially one that unfolds in public and involves a stark difference of opinion. Controversy can refer to a specific dispute, as in The recent controversy started three weeks ago, or a general state of contention, as in Important literature usually results in controversy. The adjective form controversial is used to describe someone or something that causes people to get upset and argue. Example: The controversy surrounding the candidate’s past remarks has overshadowed the campaign.
Synonym Usage
See argument.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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controversialismnoun
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controversialistnoun
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precontroversynoun
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controversialadjective
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controversiallyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of controversy
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin contrōversia, from contrōvers(us) “turned against, disputed” ( contrō-, variant of contrā “against” + versus “turned,” past participle of vertere “to turn”) + -ia -y 3
Explanation
A controversy is a dispute or argument in which people express strong opposing views. When a popular TV show kills off a well-loved character, there's bound to be a lot of controversy. Controversy means a quarrel (often public) involving strong disagreement, but the topic can be as unimportant as a new movie. There might be a controversy in the pages of fashion magazines over whether shorter hems are really in style, or about wearing white after Labor Day. Controversy is from the Latin contrōversus, "turned in an opposite direction," from the prefix contrā, "against," plus versus, a form of vertere, "to turn."
Vocabulary lists containing controversy
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
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The Bill of Rights
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Against All Odds: Contra and Counter
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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.
See Examples For:
He admits the use of a development corporation "isn't without controversy" as City Hall and the local authority, along with those it represents, consider the West End differently.
From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026
Lifschitz went on to sue over the bylaw controversy; the case is pending.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026
Still, for anyone remaining on the fence, it might not help that some of the pastors who’ve put their support behind Ramaswamy are steeped in controversy.
From Slate ● Oct. 23, 2026
For Professor Gareth Collins of Imperial College London, the discovery brings a satisfying conclusion to a controversy he witnessed firsthand.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 21, 2026
He was, according to Nature’s obituary, "embroiled in controversy for most of his life" and "put his name to much rubbish."
From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson
Maher said the two high-profile controversies have distracted the conversation around the death penalty away from the fundamental question of whether the US should use capital punishment in the first place.
From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2026
Dourif has never generated any significant controversies to our knowledge, but his appearance is notable because it contradicts his 2024 retirement announcement.
From Salon ● Oct. 18, 2026
Ironically, though, these pet peeves and controversies have only made that community stronger.
From Slate ● Oct. 11, 2026
It became one of the biggest controversies of Chivayo's business career.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
Since I made no secret of my project, a number of controversies arose among my friends and advisers.
From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
