divisive

adjective

di·​vi·​sive də-ˈvī-siv How to pronounce divisive (audio)
also
-ˈvi- How to pronounce divisive (audio)
 or  -ziv
: creating disunity or dissension
a divisive issue
divisive rhetoric
divisively adverb
divisiveness noun

Examples of divisive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Some editors absolutely loved this one, but others didn't—which makes sense given somewhat divisive flavor profiles. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024 The divisive film grossed $206 million at the global box office, including $58 million in North America. Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 The divisive argument over which host is better drew the attention of fans who disagree with the notion that Jennings, 50, needs to be replaced. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 That leads us to the question how key providing escapist entertainment is to BritBox at a time of rising news avoidance and divisive social media debate. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for divisive 

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of divisive was in 1642

Dictionary Entries Near divisive

Cite this Entry

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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