POLEMICAL Synonyms: 133 Similar and Opposite Words

polemical

adjective

pə-ˈle-mi-kəl

variants also polemic

Definition of polemical

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

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 Tarring someone with the pedant brush is polemical, of course. — Clare Bucknell, The New York Review of Books, 27 June 2026 In her account, Richmond indeed emerges as its progenitor—through his theorizing, his behind-the-scenes parliamentary and polemical maneuvering, and his patronage of Thomas Paine. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 The slapstick titles—Crackned Horsez, To of Them, Ape Island, all 1972—further stymied any straightforwardly polemical takeaway. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for polemical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polemical

Adjective

But Lamont says the consumers are actually paying less this year than last year due to the complicated nuances of the controversial public benefits charges.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
The agency has become controversial over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that precipitated a government shutdown earlier this year.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of controversial

Adjective

This issue is particularly relevant in California, where billionaire wealth is often tied to technology companies, startup equity and other illiquid assets whose valuations can fluctuate sharply and become contentious.

— Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
It was conceived following months of extensive negotiation that grew contentious at times between Zuckerberg and board members, including DoorDash CEO Tony Xu, Ambassador Robert Kimmitt, and ex-Microsoft executive Charles Songhurst.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of contentious

Adjective

Bam Adebayo wasn’t aggressive enough on the offensive side of the ball, which has been a consistent story line of his nine-year NBA career.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
On a network like this, rule-breaking often isn’t aggressive at all.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of aggressive

Browse Nearby Words

polemic

polemical

polemicist

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Polemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polemical. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of polemical

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes