as in dividing
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 polarizing
The Brexit vote pulled the United Kingdom out of the European Union, destabilizing the continent’s political order and polarizing Brits.
—
Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026
Miami is still somewhat polarizing.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
But Pahlavi remains polarizing.
—Roxana Saberi, Time, 15 Jan. 2026
Others remain at risk; the fate of his still-polarizing Boston Government Service Center is exceptionally unclear.
—Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026
Miami is still somewhat polarizing.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
But Pahlavi remains polarizing.
—Roxana Saberi, Time, 15 Jan. 2026
Others remain at risk; the fate of his still-polarizing Boston Government Service Center is exceptionally unclear.
—Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarizing
dividing
Verb
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Taste is a global force, driving migrations, shifting investments, and dividing us into groups and tribes.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
6 Feb. 2026
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That said, finding the answer to how much silver $500 will buy isn't as simple as dividing that amount by today's spot price.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarizing. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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