Meaning & use

controversy

noun·Academic

Public disagreement or debate about a matter that arouses strong, conflicting opinions.

See it in a sentence

The mayor's proposal to close the park sparked controversy among residents on both sides.

Their divorce settlement became a source of controversy after details leaked to the press.

A note on using this word

Controversy is typically uncountable when referring to the general phenomenon, but countable when referring to a specific dispute, as in 'a controversy'.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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