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
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
As did ever-polarizing WWE star and influencer Logan Paul, who will play on the opposing team, Wildcats FFC, during the four-game round-robin tournament.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026
Weiss, founder of the Free Press website and without broadcast news experience before being hired by CBS parent Paramount’s new management, has quickly become a headline-maker and polarizing figure in journalism.
—Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
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
As did ever-polarizing WWE star and influencer Logan Paul, who will play on the opposing team, Wildcats FFC, during the four-game round-robin tournament.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026
Weiss, founder of the Free Press website and without broadcast news experience before being hired by CBS parent Paramount’s new management, has quickly become a headline-maker and polarizing figure in journalism.
—Dallas Morning News, 20 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 14 Apr. 2026.
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