controversial
kon-truh-VUR-shuhl
Controversial (adjective) means causing or likely to cause strong disagreement or public debate. Example: “The film was controversial, and people argued about it for weeks.”
adjective
1
Causing or likely to cause strong disagreement or public debate.
"The film was controversial, and people argued about it for weeks."
"The new tax law proved deeply controversial."
"She made a controversial decision to cut funding for the program."
How to use controversial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLikely to spark disagreement or public argument.
Common pairings
controversial decision
highly controversial
controversial figure
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like controversial.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- controversials
- Comparative
- more controversial
- Superlative
- most controversial
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film was _____, and people argued about it for weeks.
Etymology
From Latin controversialis, from controversia ("controversy") plus -alis; built from controversy plus -al.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for controversial
See all rhymes for controversial →Frequently asked questions
What does “controversial” mean?
The word “controversial” means causing or likely to cause strong disagreement or public debate. In plain terms, likely to spark disagreement or public argument.
How do you pronounce “controversial”?
“Controversial” is pronounced kon-truh-VUR-shuhl (/ˌkɑn.tɹəˈvɝ.ʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “controversial” in a sentence?
Here is “controversial” used in a sentence: “The new tax law proved deeply controversial.”
What is another word for “controversial”?
Words with a similar meaning to “controversial” include contentious and contested.
What is the opposite of “controversial”?
The opposite of “controversial” — its antonyms — are incontrovertible, non-controversial, noncontroversial and uncontroversial.
What part of speech is “controversial”?
“Controversial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “controversial” come from?
The word “controversial” comes from Latin. From Latin controversialis, from controversia ("controversy") plus -alis; built from controversy plus -al.
Is “controversial” a common word?
“Controversial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'controversial' and 'contentious'?
Both describe things that cause disagreement. Controversial stresses that something attracts strong public debate or opposition, while contentious highlights that it is likely to cause arguments or is itself a point of dispute, so a contentious issue is one people readily quarrel over.
What is the difference between 'controversial' and 'divisive'?
Controversial means likely to cause strong disagreement or public debate in general. Divisive specifically stresses that something splits people into opposing camps, so a divisive topic actively drives groups apart, while a controversial one simply sparks debate.
Does 'controversial' mean something is bad or wrong?
No. Controversial only means that something causes or is likely to cause strong disagreement or public debate, not that it is bad, false, or immoral. A controversial idea may later prove correct; the word describes the reaction it provokes, not its merit.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include controversial:
