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
Noem's firing comes after a controversial tenure at DHS with nationwide protests, a partial government shutdown and a divisive ad campaign.
—
Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Mar. 2026
Vinay Prasad had begun his role leading vaccines and complex treatments for difficult diseases in May, but has had a rocky tenure at the Food and Drug Administration over the past year, overseeing divisive decisions about drugs and a new plan to tighten vaccine approvals.
—Rachel Roubein, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Companies are facing intensifying pressure to take public stands on divisive political issues—but the strongest forces aren’t coming from customers or the media.
—Harvard Business Review, 6 Mar. 2026
The intense scrutiny on student walkouts thrust young people into new roles navigating the pitfalls, logistics and emotional debate of speaking out on a divisive political topic.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
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Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Mar. 2026
Vinay Prasad had begun his role leading vaccines and complex treatments for difficult diseases in May, but has had a rocky tenure at the Food and Drug Administration over the past year, overseeing divisive decisions about drugs and a new plan to tighten vaccine approvals.
—Rachel Roubein, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2026
Companies are facing intensifying pressure to take public stands on divisive political issues—but the strongest forces aren’t coming from customers or the media.
—Harvard Business Review, 6 Mar. 2026
The intense scrutiny on student walkouts thrust young people into new roles navigating the pitfalls, logistics and emotional debate of speaking out on a divisive political topic.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divisive
Cite this Entry
“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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