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
Relevance
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
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
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
Colón’s colorful life, always anchored by his beloved New York, included often-polemic stints in politics, art and film.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
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
Colón’s colorful life, always anchored by his beloved New York, included often-polemic stints in politics, art and film.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for polemical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polemical
Adjective
-
Front and rear wings are simplified, and the sport’s controversial Drag Reduction System (DRS)—long considered to create artificial overtaking—has been abolished.—
Brad Spurgeon,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
-
When asked about Trump’s immigration policies — which have been controversial and are viewed by some Venezuelan residents as harmful to their community — Rodriguez first expressed support.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The dispute was resolved in June 2022 through a confidential settlement, bringing to a close one of the more public—and contentious—chapters of Luck’s executive career.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
5 Mar. 2026
-
As the war with Iran continues for a sixth day, evacuating Americans from the Middle East remains a contentious issue.—
Carolyn Gusoff,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While their offer was aggressive, the deal wasn’t done in a numbers vacuum.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Slater had been particularly aggressive against Big Tech companies during her tenure.—
Allie Canal,
NBC news,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
