controversy
Americannoun
plural
controversies-
a prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; disputation concerning a matter of opinion.
- Synonyms:
- altercation, disagreement
-
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.
Related Words
See argument.
Other Word Forms
- controversial adjective
- controversialism noun
- controversialist noun
- controversially adverb
- precontroversy noun
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 Bill of Rights
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
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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.
Until his death in 2015, Potter pushed at every boundary he saw, even when it meant courting controversy or costing him friendships and business deals.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
As the controversy circulated through the airwaves and pressure mounted for his dismissal, Platner refused to drop out of the race.
From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026
However, Garnacho also addressed the controversy surrounding his departure.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
Still, UMA has been a lightning rod for controversy in previous resolution disputes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026
Lawrence’s mentor Jack Neylan was also damaged by the controversy.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
