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
Some of the most impactful campaigns in marketing history were polarizing.
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Katya Varbanova, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025
There is a world in which the actress once known as America’s sweetheart can turn the tide her way, with voters nominating her for Best Actress as a vote of confidence toward her purposefully polarizing character.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 29 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Katya Varbanova, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025
There is a world in which the actress once known as America’s sweetheart can turn the tide her way, with voters nominating her for Best Actress as a vote of confidence toward her purposefully polarizing character.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 29 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarizing
dividing
Verb
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That includes a subdivision map dividing the property into six lots and a request to replace the current zoning with a custom zoning plan tailored to The Village.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
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The network originated as an effort to accelerate the collapse of modern society by exacerbating social tensions and dividing society through violence, and has roots in white supremacy and fascism, Kriner said.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarizing. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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