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View synonyms for controversy

controversy

[ kon-truh-vur-see; British also kuhn-trov-er-see ]

noun

, plural con·tro·ver·sies.
  1. a prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; disputation concerning a matter of opinion.

    Synonyms: altercation, disagreement

  2. contention, strife, or argument.

    Synonyms: wrangle, quarrel



controversy

/ kənˈtrɒvəsɪ; ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl; ˈkɒntrəˌvɜːsɪ /

noun

  1. dispute, argument, or debate, esp one concerning a matter about which there is strong disagreement and esp one carried on in public or in the press


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Derived Forms

  • ˌcontroˈversialˌism, noun
  • ˌcontroˈversialist, noun
  • ˌcontroˈversially, adverb
  • controversial, adjective

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Other Words From

  • pre·contro·versy noun plural precontroversies

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Word History and Origins

Origin of controversy1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin contrōversia, from contrōvers(us) “turned against, disputed” ( contrō-, variant of contrā “against” + versus “turned,” past participle of vertere “to turn”) + -ia -y 3

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Word History and Origins

Origin of controversy1

C14: from Latin contrōversia, from contrōversus turned in an opposite direction, from contra- + vertere to turn

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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

Their claims have led to both academic controversy and localized conflict.

“We would just as soon stay away from a group that will create controversy,” the Cubs general manager Sam Bernabe told the paper.

The role of private investigators has stirred controversy in the investigation.

As the controversy unfurled late Monday, it created some odd bedfellows.

The Interview, which caused so much controversy, was never intended for release in South Korean cinemas.

A furious controversy concerning this picture had arisen among art critics.

A burning controversy between the Averroists and the orthodox schoolmen.

You will grant that the individual in the controversy would likely be able to judge more correctly with regard to values?

There is much controversy as to whether stop-keys will eventually displace the older fashioned draw-knobs.

What action will have this effect is a fact to be proved whenever the controversy arises.

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