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
As California voters prepare to choose their next governor in 2026, immigration remains one of the state's most divisive and closely watched issues.
—
Richard Ramos, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Not use hurtful or divisive language.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
Indonesia’s divisive former leader named national hero Indonesia’s president named the country’s late former ruler — whose time in power was characterized by corruption, rights abuses, and economic growth — a national hero.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Former President Suharto was granted the title in a ceremony by Indonesia’s current leader, Prabowo Subianto – Suharto’s former son-in-law, himself a divisive figure as a former general who faced his own allegations of human rights abuses while in uniform.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
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Richard Ramos, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Not use hurtful or divisive language.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
Indonesia’s divisive former leader named national hero Indonesia’s president named the country’s late former ruler — whose time in power was characterized by corruption, rights abuses, and economic growth — a national hero.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Former President Suharto was granted the title in a ceremony by Indonesia’s current leader, Prabowo Subianto – Suharto’s former son-in-law, himself a divisive figure as a former general who faced his own allegations of human rights abuses while in uniform.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 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 18 Nov. 2025.
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