noun

polemic

puh-LEM-ik

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Polemic (noun) means a polemic is a strongly worded piece of writing or speech that argues forcefully against a particular idea, person or practice. Example: “The pamphlet was a blistering polemic against censorship.”

noun

A polemic is a strongly worded piece of writing or speech that argues forcefully against a particular idea, person or practice.

"The pamphlet was a blistering polemic against censorship."

"She published a polemic on the failures of the exam system."

"His closing speech was less a balanced case than a polemic."

adjective

Polemic describes writing or speech that has the forceful, one-sided character of an attack rather than a balanced argument.

"Reviewers found the article's polemic tone off-putting."

"He gave a polemic response instead of a measured reply."

"Her essays are polemic rather than purely analytical."

How to use polemic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fierce argument, in speech or writing, aimed at attacking an opposing view.

When to use it

A formal word, most at home in writing about politics, religion or ideas.

Memory tip

A polemic pushes hard for one side, so it reads as an attack rather than a fair comparison.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

pandemic →

Common pairings

a polemic against a fierce polemic polemic tone political polemic

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pamphlet was a blistering _____ against censorship.

Etymology

The word came into English from the French polémique, which goes back to the Ancient Greek polemikos, meaning of war, itself from polemos, meaning war.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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tirade harangue screed polemical polemist polemicist

Related words

rant hector shred harangue screed tirade invective panegyric

Rhymes for polemic

anemic endemic epidemic academic pandemic systemic

See all rhymes for polemic →

Frequently asked questions

What does polemic mean?

It refers to a forceful piece of writing or speech that attacks or argues strongly against an opposing view, or to something written or spoken in that combative style.

Is polemic a noun or an adjective?

It works as both: a polemic (noun) is the piece of forceful argument itself, while polemic (adjective) describes writing with that combative character.

What's the difference between a polemic and a debate?

A polemic argues fiercely for one side, while a debate usually sets out to weigh both sides of an issue.

What is the meaning of polemic?

"polemic" (noun) means a polemic is a strongly worded piece of writing or speech that argues forcefully against a particular idea, person or practice.

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