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 groupings
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
When style forecasters began to obsess over the wardrobes of Succession’s most polarizing characters, JMM was once again in the spotlight.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Few would argue that Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese are two of the more polarizing figures in the WNBA.
Clark, who's arguably the most popular player in the league, has been taking her share of abuse this season from her peers and from some fans.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Cloud has emerged as one of the most polarizing figures in the WNBA for comments about Trump.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Despite the scandals, Ford held onto a loyal base of supporters and refused to step down for years, remaining in office and cementing his status as one of the most polarizing political figures in recent history.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
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Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Few would argue that Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese are two of the more polarizing figures in the WNBA.
Clark, who's arguably the most popular player in the league, has been taking her share of abuse this season from her peers and from some fans.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Cloud has emerged as one of the most polarizing figures in the WNBA for comments about Trump.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Despite the scandals, Ford held onto a loyal base of supporters and refused to step down for years, remaining in office and cementing his status as one of the most polarizing political figures in recent history.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 22 June 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 28 Aug. 2025.
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