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

They reached the final of this year's Africa Cup of Nations and, despite being beaten 1-0 by Senegal, they have been controversially awarded the title.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The sustainability of BMW’s China performance probably continues to be the most controversially discussed topic in meetings, the bank adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The bank controversially concluded that their economic success had nothing to do with those interventions, which it instead described as a “costly failure.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The in-form Smith, one of Australia's most experienced and best players against spin, was controversially omitted from the squad despite his blistering Big Bash League form as an opening batsman.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Not being written controversially, the statements are not as categorical as those of the later writers.

From Esoteric Christianity, or The Lesser Mysteries by Besant, Annie Wood