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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of polemical
After all, novels that exaggerate our social and political ills in some horrific future are the most polemical works of fiction.
—
Ron Charles, Washington Post, 16 July 2024
Blowups at literary journals are not the most pressing news of the day, but the incident at Guernica reveals the extent to which elite American literary outlets may now be beholden to the narrowest polemical and moralistic approaches to literature.
—Phil Klay, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for polemical 
Ron Charles, Washington Post, 16 July 2024
Blowups at literary journals are not the most pressing news of the day, but the incident at Guernica reveals the extent to which elite American literary outlets may now be beholden to the narrowest polemical and moralistic approaches to literature.
—Phil Klay, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for polemical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polemical
Adjective
-
The once controversial color combination was spotted all over Copenhagen’s sleekest showgoers.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Most political observers understood the controversial issues that she would be questioned about in advance.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
An aviation expert, along with the Army pilot, tells PEOPLE that Reagan National Airport can be especially difficult to fly into.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
30 Jan. 2025
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Challenges of an Airline Pilot's Lifestyle Beyond the technical demands of the job, Wallach said the most difficult part of being a pilot was the lifestyle—particularly as a single parent.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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France’s strict media chronology rules have been a contentious issue for Disney with the company reluctant to sign up for official investment obligations and skipping theatrical releases for movies, such as Strange World in 2022, in protest at the previous 17-month window for Disney+.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2025
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Kennedy’s hearing marks the beginning of what is expected to be a series of contentious sessions on Capitol Hill.—
Matt Galka,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In 2020, a longtime bus driver was shot and killed by an argumentative passenger.—
Dan Belson,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Dec. 2024
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Sometimes, defiant and argumentative behavior results when a child attempts to assert control.—
Amy Morin,
Parents,
24 July 2024
Adjective
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So far, investors have been relieved President Donald Trump has backed away from aggressive, across-the-board tariffs during his first days in office.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
23 Jan. 2025
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With how aggressive Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has been on fourth down, Fangio has to treat third down like second down.—
Ted Nguyen,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The confirmation dealt, at least symbolically, a powerful blow to the militant group, particularly since the elusive Deif was considered iconic among Hamas fighters for surviving multiple assassination attempts.—
Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports,
arkansasonline.com,
31 Jan. 2025
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For now, the failure to formulate a plan to replace Hamas in Gaza means the militant group will be able to maintain its grip there and, many Israelis fear, rebuild the same tunnel network and weapons cache that allowed the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in the first place.—
Dina Kraft,
The Christian Science Monitor,
30 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near polemical
Cite this Entry
“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
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