variants
also polemic
1
as in controversial
given to arguing
during the Middle Ages even theologians could be surprisingly polemical in their writings
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
an unnecessarily polemical look at the supposed incompatibility between science and religion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of polemical
The unlikely success comes as the film remains in headlines past its Oscar victory and its directors’ acceptance speech, which was defiantly polemical amid a largely apolitical ceremony.
—
Marc Tracy, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Jesus, whether a historical figure or not, exists for us only as a literary character in a series of polemical exchanges.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
The clash of Gibney’s polemical (and provocative) style and Musk’s overwhelming personality promises one of the year's most intriguing films.
—Erik Morse, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
Since his decision to headline the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX, their meaning has only become more slippery, just as his artistic output has become less polemical.
—Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polemical
Marc Tracy, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Jesus, whether a historical figure or not, exists for us only as a literary character in a series of polemical exchanges.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
The clash of Gibney’s polemical (and provocative) style and Musk’s overwhelming personality promises one of the year's most intriguing films.
—Erik Morse, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
Since his decision to headline the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX, their meaning has only become more slippery, just as his artistic output has become less polemical.
—Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polemical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polemical
Adjective
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The plaintiffs argued the displacement was motivated by a desire to limit readers' access to books with viewpoints that are unpopular and controversial in the area.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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McLaren made a controversial decision at the Italian Grand Prix, swapping Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's positions at the end of the race.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Bulls look to be the best team in the Group of Five conferences, while the Gators and coach Billy Napier are now under pressure with a difficult SEC schedule ahead.—
Erick Smith,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
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Usually the final day of boot camp is most difficult.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Real World alum and life coach Kelley Wolf plans to attend a treatment center amid her contentious divorce from her estranged husband, Party of Five actor Scott Wolf.—
Ryan Coleman September 2,
EW.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Such a contentious course will never happen as there are many opposed to such a radical move.—
Vipin Bharathan,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The staff argues with you The customer might not always be right, but experts say an argumentative staff member could be a sign of poor service standards and a breakdown among the team.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
29 July 2025
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According to Fort Worth police, Rodriguez, 53, was assaulted by an argumentative young patron in his restaurant, 4400 Benbrook Highway.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Mid-summer changes to United’s revolving credit facility indicated a switch in strategy, and there was a more aggressive approach in the market following a summit in Iceland between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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The occurrences grew more aggressive over time, with the Smurls' 75-pound German shepherd getting slammed into a wall and Jack getting attacked while praying.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Israel launched its assault on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, after fighters from Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in control of the territory, attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages.—
Stephanie van den Berg,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
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The military that took over Burkina Faso in a 2022 coup has grown increasingly intolerant of dissent amid worsening Islamist militant violence in the West African country.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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