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
Setting respectful boundaries around divisive topics can help both sides avoid unnecessary conflicts.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
The Trump Department of Education will prioritize funding that supports meaningful learning and improving student outcomes, not divisive ideologies and woke propaganda.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
In the last leg of the race, attacks between the two candidates deviated from concerns over traffic, crime, and other local policies to incorporate divisive national issues.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Han was among about 500 people standing outside the Supreme Court Thursday morning as the Justices heard oral arguments in the divisive case.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 15 May 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.
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
The Trump Department of Education will prioritize funding that supports meaningful learning and improving student outcomes, not divisive ideologies and woke propaganda.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
In the last leg of the race, attacks between the two candidates deviated from concerns over traffic, crime, and other local policies to incorporate divisive national issues.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Han was among about 500 people standing outside the Supreme Court Thursday morning as the Justices heard oral arguments in the divisive case.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 15 May 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 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share