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
-
The other shoe dropped with an unsettling thud recently when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt openly gay-bashed in defense of her controversial boss.—
Louis Balsamo,
Baltimore Sun,
25 June 2025
-
In 2020, the Encinitas City Council approved the construction of a new Sanderling Waldorf school on a controversial spot on Mays Hollow Lane near Quail Gardens Drive.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
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Attorney Nicole Blank Becker, who represents R. Kelly, told Fox News Digital that jurors, just like anyone else, have a difficult time separating emotions from charges.—
Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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The topic of banning phones at gigs has been a contentious one over the years, with artists wishing for fans to live in the moment, and fans desiring a chance to memorialize their concert experiences.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
19 June 2025
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The highly contentious ordinance faced months of City Council debate before passing in a 27-to-22 vote.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Totting up working hours places us on Musk’s argumentative terrain.—
Charlie Tyson,
The New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The tree has aggressive roots that can upend lawn turf and crack pavement.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
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But the company’s aggressive marketing triggered backlash.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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The Islamic State militant group (ISIS) operates both east and west of Iran and has also stepped up operations within the Islamic Republic itself, having claimed the deadliest operation in the nation's post-revolutionary history in January 2024.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
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Bondi also shared that over 1,000 Iranian nationals have entered the country illegally in recent years and said law enforcement agencies are actively investigating them for possible ties to foreign militant groups.—
Elaine Mallon,
The Washington Examiner,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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