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
The Wall Street Journal editorial board has recommended Congress review funding for materials that appear polemical, given that both FJC and NAS receive taxpayer support.
—
Dan Eberhart,
Forbes.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Yet as Fennell has proved in a slew of interviews about the already polemical film, released Friday, the relationship between Brontë’s Gothic epic and its latest adaptation is more complicated than that.
—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Feb. 2026
This kind of depravity, licentiousness and polemical theatrics has no place on such a traditional and once wholesome presentation of the coming of a new year in our great nation and especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.
—
Letters To The Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Jan. 2026
This kind of depravity, licentiousness and polemical theatrics has no place on such a traditional and once-wholesome presentation of the coming of a new year, especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polemical
Dan Eberhart,
Forbes.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Yet as Fennell has proved in a slew of interviews about the already polemical film, released Friday, the relationship between Brontë’s Gothic epic and its latest adaptation is more complicated than that.
—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Feb. 2026
This kind of depravity, licentiousness and polemical theatrics has no place on such a traditional and once wholesome presentation of the coming of a new year in our great nation and especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.
—
Letters To The Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Jan. 2026
This kind of depravity, licentiousness and polemical theatrics has no place on such a traditional and once-wholesome presentation of the coming of a new year, especially on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and freedom in history.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polemical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polemical
Adjective
-
In a controversial move, the Department of Education last year decided that certain healthcare studies – such as nursing, physician assistants and physical therapy – were not considered professional programs.
-
One of the most controversial things to happen in sports over the last five to seven years or so is the introduction of jersey ads.
Adjective
-
These groups tackle politically contentious issues like immigration, human rights, and the environment.
-
However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.
Adjective
-
The goal is gentle smoke and indirect heat rather than aggressive flames.
-
Right now, the multi-trillion-dollar global apparel industry is undergoing an aggressive technological shift, adopting artificial intelligence as a production standard rather than an experimental pilot.
Cite this Entry
“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
