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
The war in Gaza has been an especially divisive issue in the United States and the group’s comments met with a strong negative response from many quarters, including in the music industry.
—
Jem Aswad, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025
Laesch won the mayoral seat over former Mayor Richard Irvin in the April 1 consolidated election, an ostensibly nonpartisan race that nonetheless saw significant spending from the state Democratic party in Laesch’s favor and which many considered to be divisive.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
The rhetoric of 2025 is confrontational, transactional, divisive and grim.
—Leah M. Wright, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
The discourse, though, has largely centered around Sweeney's recent controversies, galvanized by her family's politics and a divisive American Eagle jeans ad.
—EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divisive
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Jem Aswad, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025
Laesch won the mayoral seat over former Mayor Richard Irvin in the April 1 consolidated election, an ostensibly nonpartisan race that nonetheless saw significant spending from the state Democratic party in Laesch’s favor and which many considered to be divisive.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
The rhetoric of 2025 is confrontational, transactional, divisive and grim.
—Leah M. Wright, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
The discourse, though, has largely centered around Sweeney's recent controversies, galvanized by her family's politics and a divisive American Eagle jeans ad.
—EW.com, 22 Aug. 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 Sep. 2025.
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