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
While serving as a love letter to the comedian, Marty, Life Is Short also explores the Clifford actor’s struggle to find a true home in Hollywood and why his comedic persona continues to polarize audiences.
—
Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
Research suggests minerals such as Iceland spar could polarize sunlight and help determine solar position even in poor visibility.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
Public-health institutions globally emerged weakened and politically polarized.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
But the hole left in the sport — after the sudden exit of its brash, polarizing superstar — will be impossible to fill.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
Research suggests minerals such as Iceland spar could polarize sunlight and help determine solar position even in poor visibility.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
Public-health institutions globally emerged weakened and politically polarized.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
But the hole left in the sport — after the sudden exit of its brash, polarizing superstar — will be impossible to fill.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarize
Verb
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It’s divided into five romances.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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The price-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing the stock price by the consensus 12-months earnings projections on FactSet.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Those who paid taxes in 2023 reflecting higher than a 15% increase will be issued credits split over their property tax bills throughout the next three years.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
31 May 2026
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Graphite One says production will be split between materials optimized for energy storage systems, fast-charging applications, and high-energy-density batteries.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarize. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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