Synonyms of polarizing

polarizing

verb

present participle of polarize

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

• dividing
• splitting
• splintering
• separating
• alienating
• fragmenting
• fracturing
• antagonizing
• estranging
• embittering
• disaffecting
• disgruntling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uniting
• unifying
• reconciling
• harmonizing
• coalescing
• concentrating
• consolidating
• conciliating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of polarizing

All of this is unfolding during a polarizing presidential election between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of plotting a coup. — Dan Restrepo, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Panettiere’s polarizing boyfriend Brian Hickerson is said to be cooperating with authorities investigating the actor’s death. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026

Clancy’s trial was polarizing and closely watched nationwide, sparking fierce debate about insanity defenses and postpartum mental health issues. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

There is a nuanced and polarizing debate over AI’s impact on education and early-stage careers. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Within the Canadian art scene, Jost’s leadership has been polarizing. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

But in this era of increasingly fragmented car culture, that polarizing style should work in its favor. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026

Summary China's auto market is rapidly electrifying and shrinking, fueling an intense price war that's polarizing sales. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The Lindsay Clancy case has become one of the most painful and polarizing stories in recent American memory. — Jamie Maguire, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026