polemical

adjective

po·​lem·​i·​cal pə-ˈle-mi-kəl How to pronounce polemical (audio)
variants or less commonly polemic
Synonyms of polemicalnext
1
: of, relating to, or being a polemic : controversial
2
: engaged in or addicted to polemics : disputatious
polemically adverb

Examples of polemical in a Sentence

during the Middle Ages even theologians could be surprisingly polemical in their writings an unnecessarily polemical look at the supposed incompatibility between science and religion
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of polemical was in 1615

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Cite this Entry

“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polemical. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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