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
November 23, 2025 Considering the big names who have played under center for this storied franchise, including Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, this is a major feather in the cap for Prescott, who is one of the more polarizing signal-callers in today's NFL.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Nov. 2025
From a captivating rookie season and an MVP runner-up campaign in 2023 to two season-ending injuries and multiple playoff disappointments, Prescott has been one of the more polarizing athletes in sports during his decade of prominence in Dallas.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Nov. 2025
But some subjects were more polarizing than others, especially those that have more recently been in the crosshairs of wider political debate.
—Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Nov. 2025
Appearing on Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn With Carmelo Anthony podcast, the Queens native reflected on how their animosity—once the center of rap’s most polarizing drama—did more harm than good for the culture that raised them.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Nov. 2025
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Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Nov. 2025
From a captivating rookie season and an MVP runner-up campaign in 2023 to two season-ending injuries and multiple playoff disappointments, Prescott has been one of the more polarizing athletes in sports during his decade of prominence in Dallas.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Nov. 2025
But some subjects were more polarizing than others, especially those that have more recently been in the crosshairs of wider political debate.
—Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Nov. 2025
Appearing on Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn With Carmelo Anthony podcast, the Queens native reflected on how their animosity—once the center of rap’s most polarizing drama—did more harm than good for the culture that raised them.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Nov. 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 7 Dec. 2025.
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