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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The lake was divided into east and west, connected by a narrow channel, with a four-lane bridge crossing over it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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Now, ferries transport crowds to the incomplete sea fort in the middle of the Charleston Harbor to see a glimpse of life on the island and the attack that divided a nation for years to come.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Verb
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The jackpot hasn’t been hit in more than a month, rolling over since May 2, when tickets in Texas and Florida split a $20 million prize.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
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The Stanley Cup Final shifted to Las Vegas for Game 3 with the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes knotted at 1-1 after splitting the opening two games in Raleigh.—
Matt Reigle,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarize. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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