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Definition of "controversial" []

  • Of, producing, or marked by controversy: a controversial movie; a controversial stand on human rights. (adjective)
  • Fond of controversy; disputatious. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "controversial" in a sentence
  • "The word controversial doesn't begin to describe this remarkably frank but profoundly disturbing book, which not only attempts to defend sex for pay, but insists it's preferable to romantic love."
  • "In response the Commission's spokesman, Andy Saenz, the spokesperson for the Commission, said the commission did not want what it described as "controversial implications" about global warming included in the report."
  • "Whenever a news story makes mention of The Huffington Post's bloggers, the word "controversial" is often attached."