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
  • However, criticism comes with the territory for quarterbacks, and Madsen has faced his share — mostly over his size and arm strength.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 July 2026
  • The allegation was just part of a drumbeat of US criticism over the cartels’ political protection rackets.
    — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • Egypt coach Hossam Hassan launched a furious tirade after Argentina staged a spectacular comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the round of 16.
    — James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
  • After France knocked out Paraguay in this year’s World Cup, Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla launched her own racist tirade attacking Mbappé and his national identity.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 July 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
  • His case prompted a withering rebuke from the California Supreme Court, which said Kaiser’s system of arbitrating legal disputes was subject to long delays and unfair to its members.
    — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
  • From the other side of the ideological spectrum, anti-Nazis interpreted the tolerant and pacifist spirit of the film as a rebuke to Nazi eugenics and militarism.
    — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 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 28 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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