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
Well, sister Kylie Jenner is launching a KHY denim line (and has been wearing a suite of low-rise blue and white numbers to sit courtside at the New York Knicks games), and jeans did make a quite divisive appearance at the 2026 Met Gala.
—
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 May 2026
As a result, communities are split apart and the district is too divisive.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
But not all Democratic candidates support single-payer, which remains divisive between moderates and members of the party’s progressive wing, who have historically supported the initiative.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Newsom’s high taxes on the wealthy and corporations is horrible for California’s economy and extremely divisive.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for divisive
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.
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 May 2026
As a result, communities are split apart and the district is too divisive.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
But not all Democratic candidates support single-payer, which remains divisive between moderates and members of the party’s progressive wing, who have historically supported the initiative.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Newsom’s high taxes on the wealthy and corporations is horrible for California’s economy and extremely divisive.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 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 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
