polar

adjective

ˈpō-lər How to pronounce polar (audio)
Definition of polarnext
1
as in contradictory
being as different as possible they're friends despite their polar positions on a number of issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in icy
having a low or subnormal temperature a polar air mass seemed to have settled over our area in January

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 polar When parents say no Nick, a 36-year-old who works in environmental compliance, has the polar opposite experience. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 Harris, who has long led national polls almost entirely due to name recognition over anything else, has largely refrained from advertising her ambitions – the polar opposite of Newsom, whose aspirations are the worst kept secret in politics. — Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 16 July 2026 On March 31, 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the Fram2 mission, which was the first human spaceflight to enter a polar orbit. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 15 July 2026 The results show that many of the most expensive places to visit are remote islands, polar regions, and safari destinations, where higher transportation costs and premium travel experiences can quickly drive up the overall cost of a trip. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for polar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polar
  1. contradictory
  2. icy
  3. opposite
  4. frigid
  5. contrary
  6. cold
  7. freezing
  8. chilly
Adjective
  • Making good on his promise in The Holdovers, Dominic Sessa is excellent in the role, nailing the contradictory aspects of a slippery character while mapping his coming-of-age arc with empathy and honesty.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • Fauci and other public health officials — and politicians — gave confusing and sometimes contradictory guidance.
    — Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of contradictory
Adjective
  • These women of the W aren’t the only professional athletes to point out their icy relationship with their commissioner.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • For an additional pop of color, Cardi wore her hair in an icy blue bob that was parted to the side and curled under at the ends.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • Other districts, including Lake Worth ISD and Keller ISD, have experienced an opposite trend of losing pre-K students in recent years.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
  • While many states roll back income taxes for corporations and top earners, other states are pushing hard in the opposite direction.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Definition of opposite
Adjective
  • Indeed, Russia’s mass barrages last winter of Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure – designed to keep Ukrainians cold, in the dark, and hopeless during the most frigid winter of recent years – are now being answered by Ukraine.
    — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026
  • Though the frigid headmaster answers their questions about his wife and his own timeline without flair, his demeanor immediately puts Annie on edge.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • Volatility versus the stock’s weighting in the index Amid so many contrary forces, analysts and investors are anticipating a high degree of volatility and advising caution as hedging activity around the stock simmers.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The voter response to Measure A should send a strong contrary message.
    — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
Definition of contrary
Adjective
  • It was instead caused by cold air plummeting to the ground from the upper levels of a passing thunderstorm, experts says.
    — Mark Price July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • For lunch, head outside to The Pocket pool bar and lounge for fish tacos and a cold beer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Far better was his save in a freezing Vienna in December 1996 against Rapid in the Champions League, which delighted the 5,000 travelling United fans and stunned the Austrians.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • For even more dramatic alpine scenery, make the drive to Glacier National Park to hike beneath glaciers, spot rushing waterfalls fed by ancient ice fields, and brave a freezing cold plunge in an aquamarine glacier lake.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • The chilliest option on this list, ice diving at Ultima Hotel Courchevel is a thrilling, health-boosting, and mood-enhancing water experience.
    — Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • This weekend, daytime highs in Eureka will be in the mid-to-upper 60s — cooler even than San Francisco, so famed for its chilly summers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of chilly

Browse Nearby Words

poky
polar
polarity
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Cite this Entry

“Polar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polar. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on polar

Nglish: Translation of polar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polar

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