The meaning of CONTROVERSIAL is of, relating to, or arousing controversy. How to use controversial in a sentence.

(Definition of controversial from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Jan 18, 2026 · Adjective controversial (comparative more controversial, superlative most controversial) Arousing or likely to arouse controversy.

If you describe something or someone as controversial, you mean that they are the subject of.... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video.

Definition of controversial adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. causing a lot of angry public discussion and disagreement. A controversial plan to build a new road has met with …

Factsheet What does the word controversial mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the word controversial. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

con•tro•ver•sial /ˌkɑntrəˈvɜrʃəl/ adj. of, characterized by, or subject to controversy: a controversial decision to give the rapist probation and not a jail term. enjoying controversy; eager to engage in …

controversial definition: causing strong disagreement or argument among people. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like …

Use this word when referring to a topic, opinion, or decision that provokes strong, often conflicting opinions and may cause heated discussion. The film's controversial portrayal of historical events …

CONTROVERSIAL definition: of, relating to, or characteristic of controversy, or prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; polemical. See examples of controversial used in a sentence.