Meaning of Controversial
causing a lot of angry public discussion and disagreement
In simple words: Something that causes a lot of argument or disagreement.
Controversial in a sentence
- a **highly controversial** topic
- one of the most controversial of London’s new office blocks
- A controversial plan to build a new road has met with protests.
- Winston Churchill and Richard Nixon were both controversial figures.
- a highly controversial subject
- Her controversial new play sparked a riot outside the theatre.
- It is one of the most controversial of London's new office buildings.
How to use Controversial
Use 'controversial' for topics that are debated or disputed. Typically appropriate in discussions about politics, social issues, or media. Avoid using in casual conversations where lighter topics are discussed.
Grammar pattern
controversial + noun
Memory hint
Think of 'controversy' - something that sparks strong opinions and debate.
Related words
Synonyms for Controversial
- debatable
- disputed
- arguable
- contentious
- divisive
Opposites of Controversial
- uncontroversial
- accepted
- uncontentious
Common mistakes with Controversial
- Confused with 'controversy' - remember that 'controversial' is the adjective.
- Using 'controversial' to describe unimportant topics.
- Omitting it when discussing known contentious issues.
Controversial appears in
Controversial in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
مثير للجدل
شيء يسبب الكثير من الجدل أو الخلاف.
- Bengaliবাংলা
বিতর্কিত
এমন কিছু যা অনেক তর্ক বা মতবিরোধ সৃষ্টি করে।
- GermanDeutsch
Umstritten
Etwas, das viel Streit oder Uneinigkeit verursacht.
- SpanishEspañol
Controvertido
Algo que causa mucha discusión o desacuerdo.
- Persianفارسی
جنجالی
چیزی که باعث بحث یا اختلاف نظر زیاد میشود.
- FrenchFrançais
Controversé
Quelque chose qui provoque beaucoup de disputes ou de désaccords.
- Hindiहिन्दी
विवादास्पद
ऐसी चीज़ जिससे बहुत ज़्यादा बहस या असहमति हो।
- ItalianItaliano
Controverso
Qualcosa che causa molte discussioni o disaccordi.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Controverso
Algo que causa muita discussão ou desacordo.
- RussianРусский
Спорный, противоречивый
Что-то, что вызывает много споров или разногласий.
- Urduاردو
بحث انگیز، متنازع علیہ
کوئی ایسی چیز جو بہت زیادہ بحث یا اختلاف پیدا کرے۔
- Chinese中文
有争议的
引起很多争论或分歧的事情。
More words like Controversial
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
- AbsentC1
not in a place because of illness, etc.
- AbsorbB2
To take in a liquid, gas, or other substances.
- AbstractB2
based on general ideas and not on any particular real person, thing or situation
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Frequently asked questions about Controversial
What does Controversial mean?
Something that causes a lot of argument or disagreement.
What is the definition of Controversial?
causing a lot of angry public discussion and disagreement
How do you use Controversial in a sentence?
a **highly controversial** topic
Can you give another example of Controversial?
one of the most controversial of London’s new office blocks
What are synonyms for Controversial?
Common alternatives include debatable, disputed, arguable, contentious, divisive.
What is the opposite of Controversial?
Opposite meanings include uncontroversial, accepted, uncontentious.
What words go with Controversial?
It commonly pairs with be, prove, become, extremely, fairly, very.
What are common mistakes when using Controversial?
Confused with 'controversy' - remember that 'controversial' is the adjective. Using 'controversial' to describe unimportant topics. Omitting it when discussing known contentious issues.
How do you pronounce Controversial?
US: /["/ˌkɑːntrəˈvɜːrʃl/"]/, UK: /["/ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Controversial?
Use 'controversial' for topics that are debated or disputed. Typically appropriate in discussions about politics, social issues, or media. Avoid using in casual conversations where lighter topics are discussed.
What CEFR level is Controversial?
"Controversial" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.

