contention vs controversy

contention and controversy both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
contention	Yes	No	No	No
controversy	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, contention and controversy are synonyms defined as:

contention and controversy: a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement

Other synonyms of contention include arguing, argument, contestation, disceptation, disputation, tilt.

contention (noun)	controversy (noun)
the act of competing as for profit or a prize	a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement
a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement
a point asserted as part of an argument