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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of polarize
The prices in Boston have become polarizing for fans.
—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
But Kristof’s path is an increasingly common one, as news media continues to polarize into political and ideological camps and as modern campaigns favor candidates skilled in capturing and maintaining attention.
—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
Americans become even more cynical and polarized.
—
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Vannacci’s rise comes as far-right and nationalist parties gain ground across Europe, reshaping the political landscape and focusing on polarizing issues like migration and security.
—
Giada Zampano,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
But Kristof’s path is an increasingly common one, as news media continues to polarize into political and ideological camps and as modern campaigns favor candidates skilled in capturing and maintaining attention.
—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
Americans become even more cynical and polarized.
—
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Vannacci’s rise comes as far-right and nationalist parties gain ground across Europe, reshaping the political landscape and focusing on polarizing issues like migration and security.
—
Giada Zampano,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarize
Verb
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Looking along party lines, Republicans are closely divided on AI, as 38% expect a positive impact on the economy and 40% expecting a negative impact.
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Tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s.
Verb
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After a 1980s split with Fidel Castro cost him the Interior Ministry, Valdés returned to power in the 2000s, overseeing telecommunications, serving as vice president and helping recover Che Guevara’s remains.
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The delays were split nearly evenly, affecting 332 flights departing the Denver airport and 287 flights arriving, according to FlightAware.
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarize. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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