1
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the seemingly imperishable controversy over the teaching of evolution
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in debate
variance of opinion on a matter
there is considerable controversy regarding the assassination of President Kennedy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of controversy
McDavid already raised controversy across the hockey world for another dangerous play against Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Johansson on Wednesday, who got a concussion after McDavid delivered a high hit.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
Pardoned Susan McDougal, his former Whitewater business partner, and three others involved in an Arkansas real estate controversy.
—George Petras, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
However, further controversy ensued between the duo thereafter, including public arguments back and forth online.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025
At the height of the controversy, the Stauffers deleted both their family vlogging channel and Myka’s personal channel that still featured family content.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for controversy 
David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
Pardoned Susan McDougal, his former Whitewater business partner, and three others involved in an Arkansas real estate controversy.
—George Petras, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
However, further controversy ensued between the duo thereafter, including public arguments back and forth online.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025
At the height of the controversy, the Stauffers deleted both their family vlogging channel and Myka’s personal channel that still featured family content.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for controversy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controversy
Noun
-
City officials did not say what set off the dispute.—
Deon J. Hampton,
NBC News,
17 Jan. 2025
-
The Logan Square taproom, which Ravinia Brewing opened in 2021, was at the center of its trademark dispute with Ravinia Festival.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The case underscores growing national debates about religious liberty, public funding for education, and the intersection of state action with constitutional protections.—
Kaelan Deese,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
24 Jan. 2025
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There is a longstanding debate between Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, those NBA legends.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Video shown in court in November showed a group of men, two of whom officials identified as Rocky and Ephron, involved in a verbal altercation, according to The Associated Press.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA TODAY,
19 Jan. 2025
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Zarka was accused of fatally stabbing Garrity to death after the two engaged in a physical altercation.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Jake is a single father who has brought Kristen up in the severe Calvinist tradition, marked by Bible disputations of Talmudic intricacy and by a radical detachment from secular and popular culture.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2023
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And yet there is one aspect of the book which was notable: a disputation of the Richard Wrangham's work in Demonic Males.—
Razib Khan,
Discover Magazine,
22 Apr. 2013
Noun
-
Peace-makers are threatened by disagreements and go along with the group to create harmony and keep the peace.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
-
The case doesn’t have the customary hallmarks of cases that warrant Supreme Court action, Greely told me, such as disagreements among appellate circuits requiring resolution.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The heads of corporate branding cook up a brief, a design firm answers with a litany of slides, and, after iterations, interventions, and internal quarrels, the sign arrives in the physical plane, with glossy acrylic letterforms and antiseptic light.—
Laura Preston,
The New Yorker,
15 July 2024
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The key is to keep communication clear and avoid overreacting to petty quarrels and misunderstandings.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
24 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Collins said the timeline did not support the government’s argument.—
Jim Talamonti | The Center Square contributor,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
25 Jan. 2025
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That was Howe’s argument on the training pitch, urging his players to prove that Bournemouth defeat was a blip.—
George Caulkin,
The Athletic,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Even so, there is uncertainty about how quickly lawmakers will approve the boost for legal fights against the new administration.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacramento Bee,
22 Jan. 2025
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Bobby Templin — whose hand was fractured in prison two years ago — admitted Tuesday afternoon to hitting a correctional officer during a January 2023 fight at the Idaho State Correctional Center.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near controversy
Cite this Entry
“Controversy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controversy. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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