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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Now, director Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, in theaters December 20, offers a chance to see a softer side of the divisive architectural style—and of the architects who designed with it. Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 20 Dec. 2024 The president-elect also unexpectedly demanded that Congress repeal or suspend the debt ceiling, a controversial and divisive proposal that most conservative GOP lawmakers strongly oppose. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 Dec. 2024 The spectacle of the Democratic mayor of New York City and one of the most divisive Republican presidents in modern American history making overtures to each other has been the talk of New York City’s political class. Dana Rubinstein, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2024 Addressing this crisis beyond divisive rhetoric is multi-layered. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 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 30 Dec. 2024.

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