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Definition of controversial

controversial

/ˌkɑːn.trəˈvɝː.ʃəl/
con · tro · ver · sial
Adverb:controversially
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controversial Lexical Profile

controversial Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement or heated debate.

Example

"The city council's controversial decision to rezone the historic district sparked weeks of public debate."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for controversial

• Nearby Words

controlled
controller
controlling
controversial
controversially
controversy
contusion

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Late Latin controversialis, from Latin controversia ('dispute, debate'), derived from controversus ('turned against, disputed').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Controversial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/controversial
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