controversially

American  

[kahn-truh-vur-shuh-lee, -vur-see-uh-lee] / ˌkɑn trəˈvɜr ʃə li, -ˈvɜr si ə li /

adverb

1. in a way that provokes, involves, or is characterized by controversy or dispute.

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Example Sentences

Joey and Jesse Buss were controversially fired in a front office shake-up that occurred less than a month after the sale was finalized.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Handel controversially wrote it for the theater, not the church.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Hannah Arendt controversially argued that pity is an “all-devouring passion” that only feeds on affliction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

The next day, Jackson controversially appeared on television with his clothes still stained with King's blood, assuming the mantle of civil rights leadership.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

"Hard to say, at this distance," returned Overtop, who, feeling neglected in the matter of the rustic fence, was controversially disposed.

From Round the Block by Bouton, John Bell