CONTROVERT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

controvert

verb

ˈkän-trə-ˌvərt

Definition of controvert

as in to argue

to express different opinions about something often angrily ever since the poem was first published, critics and scholars have controverted over the meaning of its concluding lines

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of controvert Those then who controvert the principle that the constitution is to be considered, in court, as a paramount law, are reduced to the necessity of maintaining that courts must close their eyes on the constitution, and see only the law. — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025 Even assuming this is true (and this description will be controverted at trial), a monopoly by itself does not violate the antitrust laws. — Alden Abbott, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 The appellate court noted that the woman’s testimony was controverted. — Virginia Hammerle, Dallas News, 16 May 2023 During the upcoming weeks and through the appeal a slew of additional credible and controverting evidence will come to light. — Ben Shpigel, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for controvert

Verb

Some officials argue that would let Iceland keep control of its waters, since no EU country has fished there for decades.

— Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
While that figure was low, the researchers argued that even a small risk of unintended weapons use could be unacceptable in sensitive maritime confrontations.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

Kimmel and Damon then bicker over who has a rightful paternal claim to the child, culminating in a pitch-perfect spoof of Maury featuring Short as Povich.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
There’s striker Josie Gordon, bickering twin sisters Siobhan and Niamh, glove-shunning goalie Katie ‘Boots’ Quinn and couple Maddie and Margy.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of bicker

Verb

In Krisevich’s case, Konovalova repeatedly quarreled with the artist and his wife until the couple ultimately escaped Russia in December 2025.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
In another clip, a student records himself quarreling with a teacher asking him to take out his notes.

— Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of quarrel

Verb

Without a clear message from Warsh, investors began to doubt the Fed’s inflation-fighting resolve.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
Federal safety investigators urged automakers to give emergency responders better guides on how to fight lithium-ion battery fires.

— Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

controversy

controvert

controverted

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“Controvert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controvert. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of controvert

verb

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