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
That decision had as much to do as anything in the 1850s with completely polarizing American politics, to use our term today, and, indeed, energizing the Republican Party of the late 1850s and winning, indeed, the presidency by 1860.
—
David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Now, as communities across Kansas grapple with whether to embrace or reject polarizing tech projects, the issue is emerging as a key point of division among candidates of both parties vying to become the state’s next chief executive.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
Because of the Dead’s fresh approach, the time period is polarizing among Deadheads (again, to be fair, this could be said about so many periods).
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026
Leo is seemingly keen to bring his message of peace, unity and human dignity to a continent sorely polarized over migration, the Russia-Ukraine war and anxiety over artificial intelligence.
—CBS News, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarize
David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Now, as communities across Kansas grapple with whether to embrace or reject polarizing tech projects, the issue is emerging as a key point of division among candidates of both parties vying to become the state’s next chief executive.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
Because of the Dead’s fresh approach, the time period is polarizing among Deadheads (again, to be fair, this could be said about so many periods).
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026
Leo is seemingly keen to bring his message of peace, unity and human dignity to a continent sorely polarized over migration, the Russia-Ukraine war and anxiety over artificial intelligence.
—CBS News, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarize
Verb
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The proposal also has divided politicians within the Democratic Party.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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Support for Ukraine has divided the GOP for years.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The seven core collaborators – Kogonada, producer Chung An, producer Christopher Radcliff, producer-cinematographer Benjamin Loeb, and actor-producers Richardson, Mao and Jin Ha – collectively owned the project, splitting responsibilities and working without outside financing.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
15 June 2026
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The last time the jackpot was hit was back on May 2, when two players in Texas and Florida split a $20 million prize.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarize. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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