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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of polarizing
Jen’s research shows that the wearing of face masks was controversial in the United States long before the practice became politically polarizing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
—
H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 24 Aug. 2025
In the past, scientists have successfully engaged in advocacy without polarizing public perceptions of them and their work.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2025
The original film was polarizing upon release, earning Academy Award nominations for its editing and original score but garnering scrutiny for its depiction of an LGBTQ+ character as a dangerous killer just as the HIV/AIDS epidemic was winding down.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
In calls with large institutional investors, according to two people—neither affiliated with Forbes—who attended multiple fundraising meetings, Pierson proved polarizing.
—Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 24 Aug. 2025
In the past, scientists have successfully engaged in advocacy without polarizing public perceptions of them and their work.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2025
The original film was polarizing upon release, earning Academy Award nominations for its editing and original score but garnering scrutiny for its depiction of an LGBTQ+ character as a dangerous killer just as the HIV/AIDS epidemic was winding down.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
In calls with large institutional investors, according to two people—neither affiliated with Forbes—who attended multiple fundraising meetings, Pierson proved polarizing.
—Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarizing
dividing
Verb
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The solution is to rejuvenate your plants every two to three years by digging and dividing the clump.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
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The main way to do that is by selling their tickets in virtually every state, rather than dividing up the country into different competing territories.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarizing. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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