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

Ishibashi makes for a resilient and empathetic Junna, even as her character inevitably bears the brunt of much of the film’s divisive moralizing, while Emoto’s Morio is a quivering wreck of fragility and good intentions. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Nearly two years after Jaguar unveiled its controversial new logo, the prestigious automaker is doubling down on its futuristic rebrand with a new model that mirrors the divisive look. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

But that hasn’t stopped trans rights from becoming one of the most divisive topics in women’s professional basketball. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026

Nearly as divisive as the mid-term elections, candy corn is a Halloween sweet that people love or loathe. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for divisive

• decisive
• incisive
• indecisive