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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Last week’s cold open was divisive among many in the fanbase. Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026 The institutions that spoke out did so without divisive internal dissent. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026 The really divisive thing here is Canada. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026 Bottom line, analysts appeared to adopt fairly divisive stances towards Tesla’s future. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026 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 7 Feb. 2026.

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