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

In any private matter which is controversial there are distinctions between public, or acknowledged, attitudes and private opinions.

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

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.

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

3 days ago · Synonyms for CONTROVERSIAL: contentious, difficult, polemical, tough, problematic, argumentative, hot-button, disputatious; Antonyms of CONTROVERSIAL: safe, indisputable, …

If a politician ran for office on the platform that children should be put to work from age six, his platform is likely to be controversial, meaning it will cause controversy, or a long discussion among people …

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 …

If you describe something or someone as controversial, you mean that they are the subject of intense public argument, disagreement, or disapproval. Immigration is a controversial issue in many countries.

Feb 19, 2026 · What Does Controversial Mean? The word “controversial” describes something that causes disagreement, debate, or strong reactions among people. When a topic, statement, or action …