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

Still, the prospect of a divisive congressional race is ginning up concern that Republicans will exit the primary wounded, with little time to recover before the general election. —David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 22 Sep. 2025

The Next Generation is divisive among fans but has aged strangely well, predating the legacy sequel craze by decades (Marilyn Burns’ Sally briefly returns). —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Sep. 2025

Horror tends to be a more divisive genre, but this kind of response hardly portends strong staying power. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025

However, in explaining his vote against the measure, Cleaver pointed to divisive comments the conservative activist had made. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for divisive

• decisive
• incisive
• indecisive