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

Forget about parochial and divisive issues and personalities. — Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

France’s economy unexpectedly contracted in the third quarter, adding to a pile of worries over the European power’s fortunes in the run-up to divisive presidential elections. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, Saint Laurent’s spring 2027 clear dress shoe for men, which Alexander Skarsgård recently wore on a red carpet, also proved divisive. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

On top of all that, France is heading into a deeply divisive presidential election in April, raising the stakes even further. — Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for divisive

• decisive
• incisive
• indecisive