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
Knight is a central and polarizing figure in hip-hop’s 50-year history.
—
Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2026
While there are many benefits to a candidate having an active online presence, such as greater outreach or higher fundraising, the risks of polarizing voters and harming the campaign’s reputation are even greater.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 23 Mar. 2026
As did ever-polarizing WWE star and influencer Logan Paul, who will play on the opposing team, Wildcats FFC, during the four-game round-robin tournament.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026
The electorate has become less polarized by income in recent elections.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2026
While there are many benefits to a candidate having an active online presence, such as greater outreach or higher fundraising, the risks of polarizing voters and harming the campaign’s reputation are even greater.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 23 Mar. 2026
As did ever-polarizing WWE star and influencer Logan Paul, who will play on the opposing team, Wildcats FFC, during the four-game round-robin tournament.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026
The electorate has become less polarized by income in recent elections.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarize
Verb
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Republicans now plan to give the measure an up-or-down vote in a bid to divide Democrats.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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This discussion comes during a critical time for Ag Reserve landowners, many of whom are divided between wanting to develop on their land and leaving agriculture behind.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The teams split two previous meetings, so the winner Monday wins the tiebreaker if the teams finish tie.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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Boise’s new professional soccer team is one week away from its first home game after splitting a pair of road contests.—
Statesman staff report,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarize. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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