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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The twist involves a naming switch-up between Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), who perishes at the hand of Darth Maul (Ray Park) at the conclusion of the divisive prequel. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Even the San Francisco Police Union, her former colleagues, won't support her, highlighting unease over her divisive policies. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Despite a divisive final season, the show’s success has led to spin-offs, including prequel House of the Dragon, from creators Ryan Condal and Martin, which returned for its second season over the summer and has been renewed for a third. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024 Obviously, for a variety of reasons both good and bad, this will be yet another divisive entry from the studio. Erik Kain, Forbes, 30 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2024.

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