variants also polemic
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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polemical
Adjective
  • Paxton, the controversial state attorney general who survived an impeachment trial last year, is running against long-serving Senator John Cornyn.
    Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The drop follows a wave of controversial policy moves, including the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and expanded tariffs on Canadian imports.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ullmann is the daughter of the late Swedish director Ingmar Bergman and the Norwegian actor Liv Ullmann, and specifics of her childhood are not difficult to locate.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
  • Speaking with director Joe Johnston, Oka explained the two most difficult things to simulate digitally at the time were human skin and water.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • After a six-hour contentious hearing in 2023, the CPUC approved both companies to operate at any hour of the day and charge for rides.
    Lia Russell Updated July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • With billions allocated for new hiring, the scale of ICE's growth could reshape immigration enforcement for years to come and will likely remain at the center of a contentious national debate.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The false report came after an argumentative text message exchange between Alford and the woman that was sent while Alford was drinking, Ermine wrote.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
  • Totting up working hours places us on Musk’s argumentative terrain.
    Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Being too aggressive with your use of ice can damage your skin.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 22 July 2025
  • Chantel’s aggressive, no-nonsense delivery clashed with Jackie’s passive-deflective tone, turning what could’ve been a breakthrough into yet another blow-up.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Settler violence in the West Bank has risen since the start of Israel's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza in late 2023, according to rights groups.
    Ali Sawafta, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • Buhari vowed to do more to fight militant groups and fix the economy as the demonstrations turned deadly and continued to simmer for the remainder of his presidency.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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