polemic

American  

[puh-lem-ik, poh-] / pəˈlɛm ɪk, poʊ- /

noun

1. a controversial argument, as one against some opinion, doctrine, etc.

2. a person who argues in opposition to another; controversialist.

---

adjective

1. Also polemical. of or relating to a polemic; controversial.

polemic British  

/ pəˈlɛmɪsɪst, pəˈlɛmɪk, ˈpɒlɪmɪst /

adjective

1. of or involving dispute or controversy

---

noun

1. an argument or controversy, esp over a doctrine, belief, etc

2. a person engaged in such an argument or controversy

Other Word Forms

• nonpolemic noun
• nonpolemical adjective
• nonpolemically adverb
• overpolemical adjective
• overpolemically adverb
• polemically adverb
• polemicist noun
• unpolemic adjective
• unpolemical adjective
• unpolemically adverb

Etymology

Origin of polemic

First recorded in 1610–20; from French polémique “disputatious, argumentative,” from Greek polemikós “of or for war,” equivalent to pólem(os) “war” + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

But this is a work of history, not a polemic.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

In every race, in every discussion, in every polemic, there is always a good power and a bad power, good guys and bad guys.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2023

What Rufo is talking about is a classic bait-and-switch — cutting and pasting a polemic from one place into another for a strategic advantage.

From Salon • May 30, 2023

Though raising serious questions about the way history is written, and by whom, “The Lost King” isn’t a polemic, or even a biopic.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2023

"Watch that temper, that's discipline, too. Learn to demolish your brotherly opponents with ideas, with polemic skill. The other is for our enemies. Save it for them. And go get some rest."

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Related Words

• spat