ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›C›controversial
ISEE/SSATeasy
controversial
likely to cause disagreement or strong opinions
Synonyms
- contentious
- disputed
- divisive
Antonyms
- uncontested
controversial in a sentence
The new dress code policy became controversial among students almost immediately.
The city council meeting grew tense after residents debated a controversial plan to close the only public pool in town.
Where it comes from
From Latin controversia 'a turning against'
Memory hook
CONTROVERSY + -AL — an issue that turns people against each other.
Word parts
- vert/vers — turn
controversial: contro- (against) + vers (turn) + -ial (relating to)
Read it in context
- The Blue Moth Story Social Science
Practice controversial in the app