Cryptic crossword clue
Controversial theory with men in row, for example? 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word HETERONYM

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
H
E
T
E
R
O
N
Y
M

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "row, for example" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case row, for example = heteronym.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does HETERONYM mean?

HETERONYM noun
  1. A word having the same spelling as another, but a different pronunciation and meaning.
  2. A fictitious character created by an author for the purpose of writing in a different style.

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