controversy oun \kn-tr- vr-s, British also kn-tr-vr-s\ : argument that involves many people who strongly disagree

about something : str ong disagreement about something among a large group of people plural controversies Full Definition of CONTROVERSY 1 : a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute 2 : quarrel, strife See controversy defined for English-language learners See controversy defined for kids Examples of CONTROVERSY The decision aroused much controversy among the students. The new movie is a subject of controversy. There is controversy surrounding the team's decision to trade the star pitch er. The controversy is over whether he should be fired or not. A controversy arose over the new law. Origin of CONTROVERSY Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin controversia, from co ntroversus disputable, literally, turned against, from contro- (akin to contra-) + versus, past participle of vertere to turn more at worth First Known Use: 14th century Related to CONTROVERSY Synonyms altercation, argle-bargle [chiefly British], argy-bargy [chiefly British], b attle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, argument, cross fire, disagreement, dis pute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstandin g, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle Antonyms accord, agreement, consensus, harmony, unanimity Related Words clash, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle; logomachy; feud, vendetta; attack, contention, dissension (also dissention); debate, difference, disputation; fuss, objection, protest, protestation; affray [chiefly British], fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee (also mle); catfight Near Antonyms acceptance, compliance; concord, peace more Learn More About CONTROVERSY Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "controversy" Spanish Central Translation: "controversy" in Spanish Browse Next Word in the Dictionary: controvert Previous Word in the Dictionary: controversion All Words Near: controversy