polarizing
adjective
po·lar·iz·ing
ˈpō-lə-ˌrī-ziŋ 
: causing polarization: such as
a
: causing electromagnetic radiation and especially light waves to vibrate in a definite pattern
a camera lens equipped with a polarizing filter [=a filter that controls the passage of polarized light in order to reduce reflections, glare, etc.]
sunglasses with polarizing lenses
b
: causing a physical object (such as a particle or crystal) to enter a state of polarization
… applying a polarizing electric field to ferroelectric crystals …—
David Ritchie
David Ritchie
c
: causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groups
a polarizing political issue
As polarizing a figure as there is in the league, he is deified in L.A. and often detested elsewhere, yet not even his detractors can deny his talent or accomplishments.—Chris Ballard
Chris BallardOur media's attention often spins around unnuanced, polarizing opinions and hasty, inflammatory statements.—Heather Lanier
Heather LanierExamples of polarizing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To be sure, Musk is an incredibly polarizing figure.
—Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026
Since being sent home from the 2022 World Cup over what were described as behavioral issues, Reyna has remained one of the more polarizing figures in the U.S. player pool despite his talent.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2026
The lack of comprehensive reforms to immigration policy stems not only from policy disagreements between the mainstream parties, but also and equally from a failure of will among legislators that has driven this to be one of the most polarizing and pertinent political issues of our time.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
At the 2022 Met Gala, Kardashian's attire sparked one of the most polarizing controversies in the event's history.
—Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
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Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026
Since being sent home from the 2022 World Cup over what were described as behavioral issues, Reyna has remained one of the more polarizing figures in the U.S. player pool despite his talent.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2026
The lack of comprehensive reforms to immigration policy stems not only from policy disagreements between the mainstream parties, but also and equally from a failure of will among legislators that has driven this to be one of the most polarizing and pertinent political issues of our time.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
At the 2022 Met Gala, Kardashian's attire sparked one of the most polarizing controversies in the event's history.
—Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarizing. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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