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
Nonstick pans have become as intensely polarizing as a piece of cookware can be in recent years, as more research has been done into the impact of some of the chemicals used to make traditional nonstick coatings.
—
Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
There may not be a team embodying the discrepancy between record and reality more than the New Orleans Pelicans, home base for the ever-so polarizing talent that is Zion Williamson, plus a hodgepodge of rangy, versatile athletes at all five positions.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
There may not be a team embodying the discrepancy between record and reality more than the New Orleans Pelicans, home base for the ever-so polarizing talent that is Zion Williamson, plus a hodgepodge of rangy, versatile athletes at all five positions.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarizing
dividing
Verb
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Ebus added that interest in Venezuela is already dividing potential investors, with smaller risk-taking firms eager to enter while major companies remain cautious.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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Much of the play is dedicated to Asaf trying to figure out this conflict between his progressive views and his faith and sense of history, and also to airing the arguments about Israel that were dividing the left in the George Floyd era and continue to do so in 2026.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarizing. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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