What is another word for controversy?

Need synonyms for controversy? Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead.

Contexts ▼

Heated and prolonged public dissension over an issue

A difference or variance of opinion on an issue

A display of unnecessary or excessive excitement, activity, or interest

A state of (typically public) dissatisfaction, disturbance, or agitation

A dangerous situation

A doubt about the truth or validity of something

A child's game in which players pass a ball or other item between them, with the object of avoiding being left holding the item when time expires

The state or quality of being controversial

A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

Celebrated case

A topic in dispute, or up for debate

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Noun

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Heated and prolonged public dissension over an issue

quarreling^US

quarrelling^UK

difference of opinion

clamor^US

clamour^UK

knock down and drag out

furore^UK

furor^US

alarums and excursions

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“In a new book likely to rekindle fierce controversy, psychologist Robert Plomin argues that genes largely shape our personalities.”

Noun

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A difference or variance of opinion on an issue

quarrelling^UK

quarreling^US

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“In the 19th century, there was a great controversy on the question of how old the Earth was.”

Noun

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A display of unnecessary or excessive excitement, activity, or interest

furore^UK

furor^US

alarums and excursions

hue and cry

song and dance

tempest in a teapot

much ado about nothing

clamour^UK

clamor^US

clangour^UK

clangor^US

draft^US

draught^UK

all hell breaking loose

all hell broken loose

fervour^UK

fervor^US

running a temperature

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Noun

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A state of (typically public) dissatisfaction, disturbance, or agitation

chip on one's shoulder

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Noun

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A dangerous situation

complicated situation

pretty kettle of fish

problematic situation

unfortunate situation

rigor^US

rigour^UK

troublesome situation

mare's nest

impediment

mass of problems

worst that could happen

worst outcome

worst case

worst possible outcome

between a rock and a hard place

labor^US

labour^UK

unforeseen circumstances

a difficult situation

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Noun

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A doubt about the truth or validity of something

Noun

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A child's game in which players pass a ball or other item between them, with the object of avoiding being left holding the item when time expires

Noun

▲

The state or quality of being controversial

Noun

A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

offense^US

offence^UK

character assassination

verbal assault

telling-off

ticking off

rap over the knuckles

cavilling^UK

caviling^US

libeling^US

libelling^UK

rumour^UK

defamation of character

rumor^US

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Noun

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Celebrated case

Noun

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A topic in dispute, or up for debate

inquiry^US

enquiry^UK

area under discussion

Related Words and Phrases

What is another word for controversy?

Need synonyms for controversy? Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead.

Related Words and Phrases

See Also