polarize
verb
po·lar·ize
ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 
polarized; polarizing
1
: to cause to vibrate in a definite pattern
polarize light waves
2
: to give physical polarity to
3
: to break up into opposing factions or groupings
a campaign that polarized the electorate
4
: concentrate sense 1
recreate a cohesive rock community by polarizing … an amorphous, fragmented audience—
Ellen Willis
Ellen Willis
: to become polarized
Synonyms
Examples of polarize in a Sentence
The war has polarized the nation.
The current debate polarizes along lines of class and race.
Recent Examples on the Web
But India has also become increasingly polarized along religious lines and critics say another five-year term will give Modi’s right-wing BJP a mandate to continue its policies that have transformed the country from a secular republic to a Hindu-first nation.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
Even when the topic was as macabre and polarizing as that of a former American golden boy implicated in the grisliest of crimes.
—Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024
Though few issues are as polarizing, a new study published Monday found some common ground in how Americans view guns in their local communities.
—Gabrielle Lamarr Lemee, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Things that haven’t changed are Lexus’ lovely leather, great seats, unflappable fit and finish and somewhat polarizing style.
—Kyle Hyatt, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2024
Some iftars aim to educate Other iftars are held in private spaces, allowing guests to have more candid discussions about polarizing issues.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024
At the same time, his polarizing statements and endorsement of right-wing conspiracy theories have alienated many of the left-leaning customers who are most likely to buy electric cars.
—Neal E. Boudette, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024
Reuters on Monday reported that a recent survey by market intelligence firm Caliber found the number of would-be Tesla buyers in the U.S. is shrinking in part because of CEO Elon Musk’s polarizing persona.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024
In February, under pressure from farmer protests, the E.U. acknowledged how polarizing its efforts have become, scrapping an anti-pesticide bill.
—Roger Cohen Ivor Prickett, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2024
Helen Regan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
Even when the topic was as macabre and polarizing as that of a former American golden boy implicated in the grisliest of crimes.
—Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024
Though few issues are as polarizing, a new study published Monday found some common ground in how Americans view guns in their local communities.
—Gabrielle Lamarr Lemee, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Things that haven’t changed are Lexus’ lovely leather, great seats, unflappable fit and finish and somewhat polarizing style.
—Kyle Hyatt, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2024
Some iftars aim to educate Other iftars are held in private spaces, allowing guests to have more candid discussions about polarizing issues.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024
At the same time, his polarizing statements and endorsement of right-wing conspiracy theories have alienated many of the left-leaning customers who are most likely to buy electric cars.
—Neal E. Boudette, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024
Reuters on Monday reported that a recent survey by market intelligence firm Caliber found the number of would-be Tesla buyers in the U.S. is shrinking in part because of CEO Elon Musk’s polarizing persona.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024
In February, under pressure from farmer protests, the E.U. acknowledged how polarizing its efforts have become, scrapping an anti-pesticide bill.
—Roger Cohen Ivor Prickett, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polarize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarize. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polarize
verb
po·lar·ize
ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz
polarized; polarizing
1
: to cause to vibrate (as light waves) in a definite pattern
2
: to give physical polarity to
3
: to break up into opposing groups
4
: to become polarized
polarization
noun
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