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 contentious
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
In his discussion of history, America’s War on Terror, and creative resistance, Zinn’s essays are plain spoken but polemical, challenging us to not limit ourselves and never accept the story we’re offered.
—
Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
In the end, Larsen and Letteney make their polemical point unambiguously plain.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
The White House’s approach to social media now resembles the polemical, trolling, vicious manner of posting that Fuentes and his fans helped pioneer.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
Hernández’s humor has never been political or polemical.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for polemical
Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
In the end, Larsen and Letteney make their polemical point unambiguously plain.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
The White House’s approach to social media now resembles the polemical, trolling, vicious manner of posting that Fuentes and his fans helped pioneer.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
Hernández’s humor has never been political or polemical.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for polemical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polemical
Adjective
-
Some figures indicated that iPhone users were still avoiding upgrading despite this risk, citing multiple bugs and the controversial Liquid Glass as a reason for staying on an insecure operating system version.—
Kate O'Flaherty,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
At times, the process was controversial as there were a lot of differing opinions about the content.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The legal battles and war of words between local and federal officials have mirrored the contentious scene on the ground in the state.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
23 Jan. 2026
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In the midst of a contentious sale to Netflix, the 102-year-old studio had its best Oscar nominations mornings ever, with 33 total nods.—
JAKE COYLE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Some of the city's narrow streets fell victim to the aggressive snow totals, leaving residents with little wiggle room to get around it.—
Andrew Ramos,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The agency’s aggressive tactics this past year – especially when agents make their presence known in public areas in or near an employer, such as a parking lot – have had a chilling effect on businesses in areas where ICE has been operating.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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