polemic

noun

Definition of polemicnext
as in diatribe

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Example Sentences

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 polemic Same polemic, just with Bush-era archetypes. — Emma Green, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 Buckley and Bale’s chemistry has no juice from the start, the characters too wrapped up in grotesque prosthetics and inky makeup and gender polemics to generate real heat between them. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Mar. 2026 That feeling of brotherhood, respect, and community is badly needed now, as the world is fractured by military conflicts, political polemic, and a weakening of the social fabric that knits diverse cultures and views together. — Sean Gregory, Time, 6 Feb. 2026 While After the Hunt rushes through how Maggie and Alma’s differences were resolved, Maggie lands a polemic Rolling Stone op-ed that further puts Alma’s tenure in jeopardy. — Essence, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polemic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polemic
  1. diatribe
  2. criticism
  3. tirade
  4. harangue
  5. rebuke
  6. excoriation
  7. castigation
Noun
  • From sunburn complications to being on the receiving end of a Whitney Duncan diatribe, Cochran went through the reality TV wringer twice and lived to tell the tale.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
  • In response to a complaint from former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, Herbstreit posted a lengthy diatribe on X completely misunderstanding the modern game.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of diatribe
Noun
  • Yet Valdés Ugalde points out that the US shows no signs of caring about Mexican criticisms of its immigration policy.
    — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
  • The veteran official has spent 2026 fielding criticism, and his last month has been rough.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • Jones rejected his plea deal on July 2, 2024, for being too lenient for stalking and shooting a woman at least four times in November 2022, which sparked a tirade against the judge, court documents allege.
    — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Instead of pushing or trash talking in response to Bonner’s tirade, Cunningham simply pointed her finger directly at Bonner from a few feet away for over 22 seconds.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Definition of tirade
Noun
  • Stephen Adly Guirgis, a New York playwright who specializes in urban pressure-cooker dramas, has a gift for writing subway strap-hanger harangues.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The Americans were prepared for a lecture from Russia’s longtime foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, who is well known for his tedious harangues.
    — Michael Crowley, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of harangue
Noun
  • Mayor Gary Hulsey had nothing to say about the public rebuke.
    — Rachel Royster July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
  • Platner’s campaign, among others, has been a rebuke to that establishment.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 7 July 2026
Definition of rebuke
Noun
  • If Trump is at all interested in avoiding further excoriation at home, brevity must be his priority.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
  • There’ve been the usual marches around the country, signs, excoriations from members of Congress, all under the same umbrella of resistance.
    — Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
Definition of excoriation
Noun
  • Not everyone on the right is onboard with the Kimmel castigation.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The standoff centered on the now-former assistant attorney general’s public and internal castigation of pediatric gender medicine.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
Definition of castigation

Browse Nearby Words

poled
polemic
polemical
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Cite this Entry

“Polemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemic. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on polemic

Nglish: Translation of polemic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polemic

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