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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Long a controversial figure, Brand has fallen out of public grace amid reports of alleged rape and assaults.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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Following his controversial decision to play the Lakers’ second-half starters for the entirety of Game 4 — a first in NBA playoff history — Redick defended the decision at his practice media availability and his pre-Game 5 availability.—
Jovan Buha,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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Rust, a difficult movie to release, grossed $25k at 115 theaters, presented by Falling Forward Films.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
4 May 2025
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Clematis wilt is a fungal infection that is difficult to treat.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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In January, after Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni entered into a public and contentious legal battle, clips resurfaced online of Meester and Lively.—
Amy Kaufman,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2025
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Crawford says the meetings were contentious, but Ekard was always cordial yet firm.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Totting up working hours places us on Musk’s argumentative terrain.—
Charlie Tyson,
The New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2025
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While the folksy, friendly Readers’ Digest-style publications have faded, some thoughtful if politically argumentative ones still thrive – The Atlantic and The Economist, for example.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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However, thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, including predator control programs, habitat restoration, and breeding initiatives, several kiwi species have seen rebounds.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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Even so, the aggressive play in this post-season has stood out.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the latest missile, but a spokesman for the militant group has said previous launches targeted military facilities in Israel.—
Tamar Michaelis,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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India may also take the stronger step of striking militant groups in Pakistan to satisfy the public’s demand for action.—
Michael Kugelman,
Time,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
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