as in to divide
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups
A hot button issue that is sure to polarize the public.
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Recent Examples of polarize
Both are unfair, polarizing and will lead to future ugly, unpopular bills and cruel, unconstitutional acts.
—
Mike McGrew, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2025
Good governance groups have protested redistricting as a polarizing arms race, while Newsom and others have framed Trump’s request as a blatant quid pro quo that demands action.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2025
In calls with large institutional investors, according to two people—neither affiliated with Forbes—who attended multiple fundraising meetings, Pierson proved polarizing.
—Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
The decision to award Musk 96 million shares comes as Tesla faces one of its worst sales streaks, with purchases of its vehicles pushed lower by rising competition, government cuts to EV subsidies, and Musk’s polarizing politics.
—Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Mike McGrew, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2025
Good governance groups have protested redistricting as a polarizing arms race, while Newsom and others have framed Trump’s request as a blatant quid pro quo that demands action.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2025
In calls with large institutional investors, according to two people—neither affiliated with Forbes—who attended multiple fundraising meetings, Pierson proved polarizing.
—Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
The decision to award Musk 96 million shares comes as Tesla faces one of its worst sales streaks, with purchases of its vehicles pushed lower by rising competition, government cuts to EV subsidies, and Musk’s polarizing politics.
—Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarize
Verb
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Focused on expanding their notorious drug and money laundering organization outside of Detroit, their strained relationship has left the brothers divided.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
16 Aug. 2025
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The idea of a playing captain, something not seen since Arnold Palmer led and competed in 1963, has divided opinion across the golf world.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The two officially split in July, ending a six-year engagement and nine-year partnership.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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Eric Holcomb and Mike Pence made the governor’s residence in Indianapolis their primary home — with Pence selling his Columbus home after becoming governor — while former Gov. Mitch Daniels split his time between that building and his home in Carmel.—
Whitney Downard,
IndyStar,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarize. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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