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

Now, as the jury nears its deliberations in the divisive case, Reddington's skills and decades of experience will be put to the ultimate test. — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Through no fault, or aspiration, of its own, the WNBA has turned into a vehicle to talk about an array of divisive societal issues. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026

The divisive shoes first appeared on Chanel’s Cruise 2027 runway in Biarritz in April, where Matthieu Blazy sent models out in what looked, from a distance, like nothing more than a heel cap and a couple of ribbons. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026

President Florentino Perez never publicly disavowed Mourinho’s divisive actions — and his ghost never really left the Bernabeu. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for divisive

• decisive
• incisive
• indecisive