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GRE vocabulary

polemic

nounHigh-frequency wordMore P words

a strong verbal or written attack on a position or belief

Word origin: From Greek polemikos, warlike, from polemos, war.

In a sentence

Polemic in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing polemic in a sentence.

The essay was less an analysis than a polemic against modern art.

His latest book is less a balanced history than a polemic against the entire reform movement.

Synonyms
Antonyms
defenseendorsement
Usage & nuance

Using “polemic” well

A polemic is a forceful written or spoken attack on a position; it signals partisanship rather than neutral analysis.

Common questions

Questions about “polemic

Polemic (noun) means a strong verbal or written attack on a position or belief
Here is polemic used in an example sentence: "The essay was less an analysis than a polemic against modern art." Another example: "His latest book is less a balanced history than a polemic against the entire reform movement."
Common synonyms for polemic include diatribe, tirade, denunciation, harangue.
Antonyms of polemic include defense, endorsement.
On the GRE, polemic clusters with diatribe, tirade, denunciation, and harangue, opposing defense and endorsement.
Yes. Polemic is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

Learn words the way the GRE tests them.

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