divisive

adjective

di·​vi·​sive də-ˈvī-siv How to pronounce divisive (audio)
also
-ˈvi- How to pronounce divisive (audio)
 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 Amid turbulent times, including an unfavorable view of the economy, wars abroad in Ukraine and the Middle East, an upcoming U.S. presidential election, and a divisive political environment, corporate leaders face challenges to retaining trust in the workplace. Byjohn Kell, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2024 Park is widely heralded as one of the world’s great filmmakers, but his movies remain divisive. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024 Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jonathan Van Ness and Julia Fox have all tried the daring and divisive style, which is a sure-fire way to dramatically change up your look. Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024 New York City has never been immune to heated education fights, but in recent months those fights have taken on a new level of vitriol and aggression, and expanded to focus on a broader menu of divisive issues. Troy Closson, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024 Hazy IPAs Winner: BrewDog Non-Alcoholic Hazy AF Hazy beers are a divisive category. Allison Robicelli, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024 But fashion loves a divisive shoe—and so comments like these are perhaps the most reliable endorsement of the SpeedCat’s cachet. Daniel Rodgers, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024 Analysts said voters lost patience with both a cost-of-living crisis driven by near 70% inflation and Erdogan’s divisive political style. Reuters, NBC News, 1 Apr. 2024 The divisive issue also appears to have stymied the progress of a few seemingly unrelated bills. Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 29 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'divisive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of divisive was in 1642

Dictionary Entries Near divisive

Cite this Entry

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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