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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.

Nearby in Debate & Persuasion

concur, differ, rhetoric, diatribe, tirade, discourse