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

That connection is ultimately what put Tupac’s life in jeopardy, Davis argued in the book Compton Street Legend, which has become a key piece of evidence in the case against him.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
No two tales of what happened to Maelor after his knight protector was shot dead agree, but the young boy was also slain on the bridge, perhaps torn apart by the mob who assailed him, arguing over what to do with the young prince.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

During his time in the Senate, Brattin was previously a member of the Conservative Caucus, which later rebranded as the Missouri Freedom Caucus, a group of hard-charging lawmakers that frequently quarreled with GOP leadership.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
After their return to the Negev Lot and Abraham both have large flocks of livestock, but their herders begin to quarrel.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026

Definition of quarrel

Verb

But the judge’s order showed a possible path forward for other court fights around the country as Meta faces mounting legal, regulatory and public pressure to do more to protect young people.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Garlic Garlic is rich in plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive (fighting high blood pressure) properties.

— Carrie Madormo, HEALTH, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of fight

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controversy

controvert

controverted

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“Controvert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controvert. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of controvert

verb

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