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 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
Examples 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
Their common origin stories — riverfront military garrisons that grew into bicultural communities — have diverged in ways that reflect the dynamics of this contested and polemical region.
—
Arelis R. Hernández, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024
This challenge is more complicated than supporting outright polemical films such as Land of Freedom, 200 Mules, and The Plot against the President.
—Armond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2024
Now, with Mexico embarking upon another national election year — and with the 30th anniversary of the Colosio assassination approaching — the incendiary case, and all its polemical parts, have been thrust back into the political scrum.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024
The film is a celebration and supposed to be uplifting and not polemical.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 17 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polemical 
Arelis R. Hernández, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024
This challenge is more complicated than supporting outright polemical films such as Land of Freedom, 200 Mules, and The Plot against the President.
—Armond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2024
Now, with Mexico embarking upon another national election year — and with the 30th anniversary of the Colosio assassination approaching — the incendiary case, and all its polemical parts, have been thrust back into the political scrum.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024
The film is a celebration and supposed to be uplifting and not polemical.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 17 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polemical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polemical
Adjective
-
Adding more gasoline to the fire, a controversial jail diversion project — which both candidates opposed — near the district’s borders became a political issue in the race.Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
-
Trump, meanwhile, leaned on some famous Black male supporters, including controversial former NFL standouts Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell, while also pitching himself to men in general through social media influencers, creators and podcasters.Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
The melodic lines, particularly for brass, are very difficult to navigate.Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
-
Trump’s reelection augurs two trends in U.S. foreign policy that will be difficult to reverse.Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
On the backdrop of a contentious presidential election and with some of the Bay Area’s local and congressional races drawing national attention, the West Valley’s local races were quiet by comparison.Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
-
Voting has concluded in one of the most contentious U.S. presidential elections in recent history.Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Sometimes, defiant and argumentative behavior results when a child attempts to assert control.Amy Morin, Parents, 24 July 2024
-
John Gottman and his wife Julie Schwartz Gottman have seen their fair share of argumentative blunders in their decades of research on couples.Allie Volpe, Vox, 12 May 2024
Adjective
-
In recent months, U.S., British, German and other European officials have accused Russia of organizing an increasingly aggressive sabotage campaign aimed at undermining and disrupting Western assistance to Ukraine.Tom Costello, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
-
Throughout the election season, Republicans and Democrats viewed Arizona's 11 electoral college votes as up for grabs, which meant both parties did aggressive campaigning throughout the state and both Trump and Harris visited on multiple occasions.Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Israel denies allegations of genocide in its more than year-long offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas.Reuters, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
-
Hamas kidnapped more than 200 Israelis and killed 1,200 others last Oct. 7, when the militant group's fighters overran the border with Gaza in a surprise attack.Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near polemical
Cite this Entry
“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share