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
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.
New, large police training centers have been divisive with more scrutiny on police in recent years. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025 In November, almost two dozen local measures in support of public lands on ballots across the country, including two in Illinois, received overwhelming support; all of them passed with a majority vote, even at a time when the presidential choice proved divisive. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 The question of how often users should change their passwords is somewhat divisive among cybersecurity experts. Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 June 2025 The acquisition has been divisive since it was proposed in late 2023. Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for divisive

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of divisive was in 1642

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Cite this Entry

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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