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
Eraserhead Year: 1977 Runtime: 1h 29m Director: David Lynch
One of the most polarizing filmmakers of all time made an impact from his debut film, this surreal nightmare that was released in arthouses back in 1977 and was an instant hit in major cities.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2024
Analyses of Russian propaganda in Georgia have revealed that the Kremlin uses a similarly polarizing strategy there.
—Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2020
The ending to Challengers is so polarizing — even Zendaya and her mom can't seem to agree!
—Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 1 May 2024
North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye is one of the more polarizing prospects in this month’s NFL Draft.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024
Trump came here as a very polarizing Republican frontrunner.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024
How will the nation’s most polarizing team conduct itself versus the one known for its class?
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
However, in what was a relatively polarizing move in South Korea, Jang decided to forge a different path.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
Saltburn reigned supreme as the most polarizing film of the year, with some (including EW) hailing it as a perverse psychosexual thriller and others deriding its outré storytelling.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024
Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2024
Analyses of Russian propaganda in Georgia have revealed that the Kremlin uses a similarly polarizing strategy there.
—Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2020
The ending to Challengers is so polarizing — even Zendaya and her mom can't seem to agree!
—Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 1 May 2024
North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye is one of the more polarizing prospects in this month’s NFL Draft.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024
Trump came here as a very polarizing Republican frontrunner.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024
How will the nation’s most polarizing team conduct itself versus the one known for its class?
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
However, in what was a relatively polarizing move in South Korea, Jang decided to forge a different path.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
Saltburn reigned supreme as the most polarizing film of the year, with some (including EW) hailing it as a perverse psychosexual thriller and others deriding its outré storytelling.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polarizing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near polarizing
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarizing. Accessed 19 Jun. 2024.
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