noun

polemic

/pəˈlemɪk/ · say it: puh·LEM·ik

a strong attack on an opinion

In Debate & Persuasion

a strong verbal or written attack on an opinion

In Literary English

In more detail

1. (noun) a strong written or spoken attack or criticism of someone's ideas or beliefs

2. (noun) angry debate or argument about a controversial topic

3. (adjective) involving strong criticism or debate about a controversial subject

Examples

1. The article was a fierce polemic against the government's economic policies.
2. The polemic between the two scientists lasted for years.
3. His polemic writings on religion sparked intense controversy.

How to use polemic

Polemic is used in formal and academic contexts to describe vigorous intellectual criticism or debate, often implying the argumentation is adversarial or one-sided rather than purely objective analysis. It carries a tone of intensity and conviction, and often appears when discussing ideas, beliefs, or published works rather than personal disputes. The plural 'polemics' refers to the practice or genre of such arguments.

Common phrases

fierce polemic
engage in polemics
polemic against
sharp polemic
polemic exchange
launch a polemic

Synonyms

diatribe · tirade · broadside · critique · denunciation

Opposites

praise · endorsement

Word family

polemical (adjective) · polemically (adverb) · polemicist (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes treat 'polemic' as purely negative or dismissive, when it actually refers to rigorous, substantive argument even if contentious; it is not synonymous with simple insult or unsubstantiated criticism.

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