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
The growth of artificial intelligence has been polarizing; some people have rejected it, and others have embraced it.
—
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 16 Oct. 2025
This is a terrific signature scent that manages to make a statement without polarizing the room.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Just like its subject matter, After The Hunt is polarizing.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 10 Oct. 2025
Even so, Ortega’s look at the Wednesday premiere in London with bleached brows, shimmery smoky eyes, and oxblood lips was polarizing.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 16 Oct. 2025
This is a terrific signature scent that manages to make a statement without polarizing the room.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Just like its subject matter, After The Hunt is polarizing.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 10 Oct. 2025
Even so, Ortega’s look at the Wednesday premiere in London with bleached brows, shimmery smoky eyes, and oxblood lips was polarizing.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarizing
dividing
Verb
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Where to Stay While Umbria isn’t massive, dividing your trip into at least two home bases is highly recommended to appreciate the region’s slower tempo.—
John Skelton,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
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Sympodial orchids must be propagated by dividing them, not pruning or trimming them.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarizing. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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