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
If Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s post-practice remarks are to be believed, the team’s most polarizing figure could make his return to the rotation in Phoenix on Thursday.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 17 Dec. 2025
Roughly a dozen years after the polarizing debut of Google Glass, the search giant is officially getting back into the smart glasses game—but this time, the focus isn’t on putting a smartphone on your face.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
Tennessee congressional race becomes unlikely test of blue wave
Democratic voters in October narrowly chose Behn as their nominee over three less polarizing candidates: Bo Mitchell and Vincent Dixie, both state representatives, and Darden Copeland, a Nashville businessman.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 3 Dec. 2025
During his debut foreign trip, to Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV projected a papal brand more guarded and less polarizing than that of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
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.
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 17 Dec. 2025
Roughly a dozen years after the polarizing debut of Google Glass, the search giant is officially getting back into the smart glasses game—but this time, the focus isn’t on putting a smartphone on your face.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
Tennessee congressional race becomes unlikely test of blue wave
Democratic voters in October narrowly chose Behn as their nominee over three less polarizing candidates: Bo Mitchell and Vincent Dixie, both state representatives, and Darden Copeland, a Nashville businessman.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 3 Dec. 2025
During his debut foreign trip, to Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV projected a papal brand more guarded and less polarizing than that of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarizing. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share