as in dividing
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups
A hot button issue that is sure to polarize the public.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of polarizing
Dick Cheney, the former vice president and polarizing political figure whose life inspired the 2018 Oscar-winning film Vice, has died.
—
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
His legacy remains deeply polarizing, defined by wartime leadership, executive power, and partisan transformation.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
The country singer had posted a photo on Instagram of the polarizing conservative activist with himself and wife Brittany, and praised Kirk in the caption.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025
The Ivy League graduate and former high school valedictorian has since become a polarizing public figure, viewed by some as a vigilante and others as a cold and calculated murderer.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
His legacy remains deeply polarizing, defined by wartime leadership, executive power, and partisan transformation.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
The country singer had posted a photo on Instagram of the polarizing conservative activist with himself and wife Brittany, and praised Kirk in the caption.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025
The Ivy League graduate and former high school valedictorian has since become a polarizing public figure, viewed by some as a vigilante and others as a cold and calculated murderer.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarizing
dividing
Verb
-
The singer's annual holiday clip is dividing fans this year.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Similar efforts have emerged in Missouri, where the state legislature passed a new map dividing Kansas City among three congressional districts.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarizing. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share