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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The topic of young kids on planes is a divisive one among Americans today. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 The divisive restaurateur behind some of New York City’s most iconic restaurants, including Balthazar and Odeon, then found his voice in writing. Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 May 2025 Americans, tired of a divisive war that had cost so many lives and hundreds of billions in taxpayer dollars, were broadly unsupportive of the South Vietnamese regime. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025 And there are people that have donated that are making claims that are divisive and not unifying. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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