Synonyms of polarize

polarize

verb

ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz 

as in to divide

to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups

A hot button issue that is sure to polarize the public.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• divide
• split
• splinter
• separate
• alienate
• fragment
• antagonize
• estrange
• fracture
• embitter
• disaffect
• disgruntle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unite
• unify
• reconcile
• coalesce
• harmonize
• concentrate
• consolidate
• conciliate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of polarize

On her feet, the The Queen’s Gambit star completed the outfit with a pair of polarizing peep-toe mules in sunshine yellow. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 18 July 2026

Indeed, of all the mid-century American novels to stand the test of time, perhaps only On the Road provokes a comparably polarizing response among contemporary readers. — Book Marks, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

Italian artist-cum-pranker Maurizio Cattelan has revisited the artwork that turned a banana and some duct tape into one of contemporary art’s biggest and most polarizing talking points. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026

The fighting is what has made teen takeovers so polarizing in recent months. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026