divisive
adjective
di·vi·sive
də-ˈvī-siv 
also
-ˈvi-
or -ziv
: creating disunity or dissension
a divisive issue
divisive rhetoric
divisively
adverb
divisiveness
noun
Examples of divisive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After previously introducing a controversial roster of potential nominees in its Best New Podcast category, the 2026 Golden Globes voting body opted not to include any divisive political commentators among its fresh competitive bracket.
—
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Dec. 2025
The building’s destruction sparked some of the worst violence India has seen since independence and has been at the heart of a fiery and divisive debate about identity and history in the ensuing decades.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
In another, a knockout image featuring two children resting on their backs, sunlight blazes with an almost divisive intent, turning one child’s eyeglasses opaque with its glare while leaving his friend’s face in shadow.
—Dawn Chan, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025
Over time, historical records begin to emerge — and so does evidence that fog has always been divisive.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divisive
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Dec. 2025
The building’s destruction sparked some of the worst violence India has seen since independence and has been at the heart of a fiery and divisive debate about identity and history in the ensuing decades.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
In another, a knockout image featuring two children resting on their backs, sunlight blazes with an almost divisive intent, turning one child’s eyeglasses opaque with its glare while leaving his friend’s face in shadow.
—Dawn Chan, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025
Over time, historical records begin to emerge — and so does evidence that fog has always been divisive.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divisive
Cite this Entry
“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share