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
The dress was secured with a shredded belt and featured a divisive bubble skirt.
—
Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
What has always been true is that there is no rigorous argument that can compete with divisive rhetoric at the level of populations.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Only 61% of Minnesota’s school districts participated in the survey, compared with 92% two decades ago, partly because public health has become a divisive political topic.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
People are desperately searching for hope and reasons to be positive for the future in such confusing and divisive times.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Jan. 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.
Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
What has always been true is that there is no rigorous argument that can compete with divisive rhetoric at the level of populations.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Only 61% of Minnesota’s school districts participated in the survey, compared with 92% two decades ago, partly because public health has become a divisive political topic.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
People are desperately searching for hope and reasons to be positive for the future in such confusing and divisive times.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Jan. 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 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
