CONTROVERSIAL: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for CONTROVERSIAL?

Need another word that means the same as “controversial”? Find 10 synonyms and 30 related words for “controversial” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Controversial” are: contentious, disputed, moot, disputable, debatable, arguable, vexed, open to discussion, open to question, under discussion

Controversial as an Adjective

Definitions of "Controversial" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “controversial” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

• Marked by or capable of arousing controversy.
• Giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement.

Synonyms of "Controversial" as an adjective (10 Words)

arguable	Open to argument or debate. A highly arguable assumption.
contentious	(of a person) given to provoking argument. A style described as abrasive and contentious.
debatable	Capable of being disproved. It is debatable whether the country is coming out of recession.
disputable	Capable of being disproved. Whether it can be described as art criticism may be disputable.
disputed	Subject to disagreement and debate.
moot	Of no legal significance (as having been previously decided. The whole matter is becoming increasingly moot.
open to discussion	Open and observable; not secret or hidden.
open to question	Accessible to all.
under discussion	Located below or beneath something else.
vexed	Troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances. The vexed parents of an unruly teenager.

Usage Examples of "Controversial" as an adjective

• Years of wrangling over a controversial bypass.
• A controversial decision on affirmative action.
• The issue of the death penalty is highly controversial.
• Rushdie's controversial book.

Associations of "Controversial" (30 Words)

argument	An independent variable associated with a function or proposition and determining its value For example in the expression y F x x the arguments of the function F are x and x and the value is y. It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true.
cloture	A rule for limiting or ending debate in a deliberative body. A cloture motion.
contention	A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement. The captured territory was the main area of contention between the two countries.
contentious	Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial. A contentious issue.
contentiousness	An inclination to be quarrelsome and contentious.
controversy	A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement. The design of the building has caused controversy.
debatable	Open to doubt or debate. It is debatable whether the country is coming out of recession.
debate	The formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote. There has been much debate about prices.
discussion	The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas. Discussions about environmental improvement.
disproof	The action of proving that something is untrue. Rex was living disproof of the youth preserving powers imputed to life in the college.
disputable	Open to argument or debate. Whether it can be described as art criticism may be disputable.
disputation	Formal academic debate. A lengthy disputation about the rights and wrongs of a particular request.
disputatious	Fond of having heated arguments. A disputatious lawyer.
disruptive	Causing or tending to cause disruption. Disruptive pupils.
elocution	The skill of clear and expressive speech, especially of distinct pronunciation and articulation. A Rileyesque elocution.
hassel	Norwegian chemist noted for his research on organic molecules (1897-1981.
interlocutor	A person who takes part in a conversation.
issue	Supplies as food or clothing or ammunition issued by the government. Water issued from the hole in the wall.
litigious	Concerned with lawsuits or litigation. A litigious and acrimonious spirit.
misunderstood	Incorrectly interpreted or understood. He is one of football s most misunderstood men.
outsider	A person who does not belong to a particular organization or profession. He started as a rank outsider.
panel	Cover a wall or other surface with panels. An interview panel.
polemical	Of or involving dispute or controversy. A polemical essay.
quarrel	An arrow that is shot from a crossbow; has a head with four edges. We have no quarrel with the people of the country only with the dictator.
quarrelsome	Given to or characterized by quarrelling. Quarrelsome when drinking.
questionable	Subject to question. A questionable reputation.
refutable	Able to be refuted.
rivalry	Competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field. There always has been intense rivalry between the clubs.
turbulent	Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm. A turbulent and unruly childhood.
unconfirmed	Not finally established or settled. An unconfirmed letter of credit.