polarizing
adjective
po·lar·iz·ing
ˈpō-lə-ˌrī-ziŋ 
: causing polarization: such as
a
: causing electromagnetic radiation and especially light waves to vibrate in a definite pattern
a camera lens equipped with a polarizing filter [=a filter that controls the passage of polarized light in order to reduce reflections, glare, etc.]
sunglasses with polarizing lenses
b
: causing a physical object (such as a particle or crystal) to enter a state of polarization
… applying a polarizing electric field to ferroelectric crystals …—
David Ritchie
David Ritchie
c
: causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groups
a polarizing political issue
As polarizing a figure as there is in the league, he is deified in L.A. and often detested elsewhere, yet not even his detractors can deny his talent or accomplishments.—Chris Ballard
Chris BallardOur media's attention often spins around unnuanced, polarizing opinions and hasty, inflammatory statements.—Heather Lanier
Heather LanierExamples of polarizing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lewis was just 18 years old when she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance, which involved an intense and polarizing assault scene with De Niro.
—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 June 2026
After the cinematography, the most polarizing aspect of Spider-Noir is likely to be Cage, who sleeps through the first half of the series for reasons that are probably justifiably character-based.
—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
Among Makary’s most polarizing appointees was Vinay Prasad, who served as a key agency official overseeing vaccines and biotech treatments before stepping down at the end of April.
—
Annika Kim Constantino,angelica Peebles,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Mark Walker, Boca Raton A highly polarizing figure The naming of public buildings after individuals is a significant gesture that typically reflects a consensus on their positive impact, legacy and public service.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
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Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 June 2026
After the cinematography, the most polarizing aspect of Spider-Noir is likely to be Cage, who sleeps through the first half of the series for reasons that are probably justifiably character-based.
—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
Among Makary’s most polarizing appointees was Vinay Prasad, who served as a key agency official overseeing vaccines and biotech treatments before stepping down at the end of April.
—
Annika Kim Constantino,angelica Peebles,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Mark Walker, Boca Raton A highly polarizing figure The naming of public buildings after individuals is a significant gesture that typically reflects a consensus on their positive impact, legacy and public service.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarizing. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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