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
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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
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
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When not giddily tearing apart the rom-com – a key conversation between Charlie and Emma happens in the trope-iest of cinematic eateries, a diner – Borgli asks really major thematic questions with his controversial subject matter.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Denver City Council members face a vote this week that will determine whether the city keeps dozens of license plate-reading cameras or ends the controversial program — at least, for now.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Investigators lay out a detailed narrative of how the farmer’s wife was killed and provide an intimate look at a couple and family in the midst of a contentious divorce.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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But Xi sent them all home without making significant concessions on the matters that have strained their relations, including concerns over Beijing’s support for Russian President Vladimir Putin or China’s unfair trade practices that threaten European industry, among other contentious matters.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Brvenik, 44, was diagnosed in 2024 with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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Your sense of self takes the lead as the Moon, presently in your sign, opposes aggressive Mars across your partnership zone.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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