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
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Strong is set to portray Meta (formerly Facebook) founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg a decade and a half after Eisenberg earned an Oscar nomination for his spin on the same divisive mogul. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025 This polarization means even post-Trump, Democrats may cling to divisive issues like defund-the-police echoes or aggressive cultural wars, repelling the non-ideological public weary of extremes. Nafees Alam, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 Now, the new law comes while the state is embroiled in a divisive culture war over trans athletes in girls' sports. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 In such divisive and challenging times, Moncler is celebrating love — and warmth — in alignment with its product offer of cozy puffers and outerwear. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2025.

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