Controversy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē/ con·tro·ver·sy

Meaning & Definition of Controversy

Controversy (noun)

  1. a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views, dispute
  2. quarrel, strife
  3. a civil action

Controversy (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions

    "the seemingly imperishable controversy over the teaching of evolution"

    similar: altercation, argle-bargle (chiefly British), argument, argy-bargy (chiefly British), battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle
    related: clash, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle, logomachy, feud, vendetta, attack, contention, dissension, debate, difference, disputation, fuss, objection, protest, protestation, affray (chiefly British), fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee, catfight

  2. variance of opinion on a matter

    "there is considerable controversy regarding the assassination of President Kennedy"

    similar: contestation, debate, difference, difficulty, disagreement, disputation, dispute, dissension, dissensus, firestorm, nonconcurrence
    related: clash, collision, conflict, confliction, disaccord, discord, dissonance, apartness, divarication, division, combat, contention, strife, struggle, altercation, argument, bicker, falling-out, fight, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, set-to
    opposite: accord, agreement, consensus, harmony, unanimity
    near: acceptance, compliance, concord, peace

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Controversy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Controversy:

Chiefly British: argle-bargle, argy-bargy
altercation, argument, battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle, contestation, debate, difference, difficulty, disputation, dissension, dissensus, firestorm, nonconcurrence

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Controversy

Words with the opposite meaning of Controversy:

accord, agreement, consensus, harmony, unanimity

Related Words for Controversy

clash, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle, logomachy, feud, vendetta, attack, contention, fuss, objection, protest, protestation, affray, fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee, catfight, collision, conflict, confliction, disaccord, discord, dissonance, apartness, divarication, division

Near Antonyms of Controversy

acceptance, compliance, concord, peace

Word Forms of Controversy

Inflections: controversies

Origin & Etymology of Controversy

Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin controversia, from controversus disputable, literally, turned against, from contro- (akin to contra-) + versus, past participle of vertere to turn worth

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Controversy

Frequently Asked Questions about Controversy

What does "Controversy" mean?

"Controversy" means a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views, dispute. As a noun, it is defined as: a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views, dispute. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Controversy"?

Other words for "Controversy" include altercation, argle-bargle, argument, argy-bargy, battle royal, bicker, brawl and contretemps. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Controversy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Controversy"?

There are 69 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Controversy". Common alternatives include altercation, argle-bargle, argument, argy-bargy, battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, cross fire and disagreement.

What is the opposite of "Controversy"?

Antonyms of "Controversy" include accord, agreement, consensus, harmony and unanimity. Near antonyms include acceptance, compliance, concord and peace.

How do you use "Controversy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Controversy" in a sentence: "the seemingly imperishable controversy over the teaching of evolution"; "there is considerable controversy regarding the assassination of President Kennedy".

Is "Controversy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Controversy" is a noun.

Is "Controversy" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Controversy" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Controversy"?

"Controversy" is pronounced /ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē/ and divided into syllables as con·tro·ver·sy.