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
Doing a light joke after announcing a heavy premise is always smart, but Che’s brother reference also defuses some objections that might get in the audience’s way of enjoying a bit on a polarizing political issue.
—
John Roy, Vulture, 3 July 2025
Despite having a new governor who supports a tough-on-hospitals approach, proposals that resemble price caps on health systems remain polarizing within the Republican supermajority.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
In recent years, Nashville has become increasingly polarized as the insulated industry reckons with its own handling of racial issues that have affected the careers of multiple artists including Morgan Wallen, Maren Morris, Beyoncé and Jason Aldean.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The durian, a spiky fruit that grows across Southeast Asia, has a polarizing reputation for its pungent odor and strong taste.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarize
John Roy, Vulture, 3 July 2025
Despite having a new governor who supports a tough-on-hospitals approach, proposals that resemble price caps on health systems remain polarizing within the Republican supermajority.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
In recent years, Nashville has become increasingly polarized as the insulated industry reckons with its own handling of racial issues that have affected the careers of multiple artists including Morgan Wallen, Maren Morris, Beyoncé and Jason Aldean.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The durian, a spiky fruit that grows across Southeast Asia, has a polarizing reputation for its pungent odor and strong taste.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarize
Verb
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The preliminary plat shows the larger 61-acre parcel divided into three phases with a mix of retail uses and two apartment complexes.—
Laura Kinsler,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Aug. 2025
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There may be more that unites the two groups than divides them.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The experts split into teams representing the U.S. and China, and each side was armed with the weapons that its country is thought to possess.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
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If their parents died, the sisters would split their inheritance.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarize. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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