divided
adjective
di·vid·ed
də-ˈvī-dəd 
1
a
: separated into parts or pieces
b
of a leaf
: cut into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib
c
: having a barrier (such as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions
a divided highway
2
a
: disagreeing with each other : disunited
b
: directed or moved toward conflicting interests, states, or objects
divided loyalties
3
: separated by distance
… familiar objects from which she had never dreamed of being divided.—
James Joyce
James JoyceExamples of divided in a Sentence
Experts are sharply divided on the issue.
The issue has created a deeply divided nation.
She feels like she only gets her mother's divided attention.
Recent Examples on the Web
No faction is more divided than the British, however, with benign diplomat Thomas Hopkins (Billy Howle) at odds with the almost feral Army captain Orde Wingate (Aramayo), reputed father of the modern IDF.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
Chicago residents remain divided on whether the technology belongs in their city.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
The justices sounded divided and a bit uncertain over how to proceed.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
The forthcoming guide, which education officials have described as a first step toward a more comprehensive handbook to be issued at a later date, is coming as families and teachers are deeply divided and anxious about the potential — and pitfalls — of the new technology.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
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Damon Wise, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
Chicago residents remain divided on whether the technology belongs in their city.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
The justices sounded divided and a bit uncertain over how to proceed.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
The forthcoming guide, which education officials have described as a first step toward a more comprehensive handbook to be issued at a later date, is coming as families and teachers are deeply divided and anxious about the potential — and pitfalls — of the new technology.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divided
Cite this Entry
“Divided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divided. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
divided
adjective
di·vid·ed
1
a
: separated into parts, classes, or portions
divided coverage
divided custody
b
in the civil law of Louisiana
: separately owned, possessed, or held : no longer held in indivision
owner of a divided part or of the entire estate following partition—Louisiana Civil Code
Louisiana Civil Codegranted in divided portions
2
: not united : failing to agree
a divided Court
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