Controversial
Controversial adjective - Relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions.
Usage example: racial segregation was a controversial topic in the 1960s
Problematic is a synonym for controversial in questionable topic. In some cases you can use "Problematic" instead an adjective "Controversial", when it comes to topics like emotive.
Problematic
Problematic adjective - Requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling.
Controversial is a synonym for problematic in difficult topic. You can use "Controversial" instead an adjective "Problematic", if it concerns topics such as questionable.
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- suspect and controversial
- suspect and problematic
- dubious and controversial
- dubious and problematic
- difficult and controversial
- difficult and problematic
- questionable and controversial
- questionable and problematic
- unsettled and controversial
- unsettled and problematic
- doubtful and controversial
- doubtful and problematic
- tricky and controversial
- tricky and problematic
Both words in one sentence
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Keep in mind that in-universe, this probably wouldn't even have been a problematic or controversial order for the Space Marines, even if the witnesses happened to be Tau civilians, children or whatnot, because, well, they were xenos.
Source: Video Game / Fire Warrior - It's controversial whether this usage is acceptable, and regardless it may always be problematic to label some particular group this way, because it denies legitimacy to the group and its beliefs.
Source: Analysis / Cult
Cite this Source
Problematic and Controversial. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/controversial/problematic
Controversial & Problematic. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/controversial/problematic>.
Problematic or Controversial. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/controversial/problematic.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "controversial" and "problematic" have occurred on timeline