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

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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 Expedition cruises and guided polar adventures (flying in and out) are the only way to visit Antarctica which is why it’s considered one of the most exclusive travel experiences. — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 According to Squaremouth's index, the most expensive destinations travelers are going to are polar and expedition destinations, followed by island and beach locales, and safari and wildlife places. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 29 June 2026 The agency also plans to seek proposals for additional commercial landers, technology demonstrations, a south polar imaging mission, and a communications relay network linking lunar assets with Earth. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the Copernicus Marine Service, global ocean temperatures outside the polar regions hit record levels on June 21, surpassing levels for the time of the year observed in both 2023 and 2024. — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 1 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
  • Decision-makers, overwhelmed by contradictory data points, quietly revert to gut instinct and historical bias.
    — Ali Hoss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • My will is scattered, directed toward many contradictory things, and easily distracted.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of contradictory
Adjective
  • Multiple moons in the outer solar system — Saturn's Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa, for example — host big liquid-water oceans beneath their icy shells.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 July 2026
  • From aqua suede to icy satin, from stilettos to ballet flats and beach-ready sandals, whatever your bridal style calls, for there’s a pair of blue shoes to match.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 2 July 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • On the opposite side of the lobby is SparkHouse, a private members club and creative hub for up-and-coming musicians and creatives.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • One of them, Paul Skenes, pitched opposite Wheeler on Wednesday for the second time this season.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of opposite
Adjective
  • But experts say the optimal temperatures are far from frigid.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • But that’s not how exhaustion typically works during a seventeen-hour climb in frigid weather.
    — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • The voter response to Measure A should send a strong contrary message.
    — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
  • Still, this is a contrary call.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Definition of contrary
Adjective
  • Next to him, the waters of Lincoln’s Sinking Spring still ran cold.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • If time doesn’t allow for spa treatments, a morning swim in the indoor pool accompanied by a sauna and cold plunge in one of their two thermal suites might suffice.
    — Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • If freezing temperatures are predicted, pick any ripe fruit and cover the trunks of young trees with burlap or newspaper to insulate them.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 July 2026
  • The injured climber couldn’t continue, forcing the pair to spend a freezing night on the mountain with limited supplies.
    — James Ward, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of freezing
Adjective
  • Flemings, like Peterson a one-and-done player in college, had 14 points on chilly 4-of-16 shooting.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026
  • Then the movie ended, and someone flicked the lights, and people wiped their faces and checked their apps and the door opened for a chilly evening breeze.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 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 8 Jul. 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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