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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From patchwork jeans inspired by Jennifer Aniston to skinny styles that look like Kate Middleton’s divisive pants, there are tons of options worthy of a spot in your cart (and fall wardrobe) right now. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 Confidence notably collapsed during the divisive 2016 presidential campaign, the polling service says, with the highest reading in the past decade being 45% in 2018. Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025 That perception was shattered by the 24-hour ecosystem of divisive clips, some new, most from a half decade ago, all intended to feed anger and division. Keith Wilson, Time, 2 Oct. 2025 By stepping into the City sandal this week, Bieber extends the trend into fall, signaling that the most divisive shoe of summer may carry through another season. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 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 8 Oct. 2025.

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