polarizing
adjective
po·lar·iz·ing
ˈpō-lə-ˌrī-ziŋ 
: causing polarization: such as
a
: causing electromagnetic radiation and especially light waves to vibrate in a definite pattern
a camera lens equipped with a polarizing filter [= a filter that controls the passage of polarized light in order to reduce reflections, glare, etc.]
sunglasses with polarizing lenses
b
: causing a physical object (such as a particle or crystal) to enter a state of polarization
… applying a polarizing electric field to ferroelectric crystals …—
David Ritchie
David Ritchie
c
: causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings
a polarizing political issue
As polarizing a figure as there is in the league, he is deified in L.A. and often detested elsewhere, yet not even his detractors can deny his talent or accomplishments.—Chris Ballard
Chris BallardOur media's attention often spins around unnuanced, polarizing opinions and hasty, inflammatory statements.—Heather Lanier
Heather LanierExamples of polarizing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The technology is well established, but the regulatory and cultural discussion surrounding genetic modification is the most polarizing topic in food.
—Ali Bouzari, Bon Appétit, 13 Feb. 2025
The deal completely reset the market, just days before Marks had to make a decision on one of his more polarizing players.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
Three of President Donald Trump's most polarizing secretary nominees ‒ Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel ‒ face a grilling from lawmakers during a pivotal day of Senate confirmation hearings Thursday.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
SoHo wasn’t the first building to ditch Trump’s name and hotel management company after the billionaire became perhaps the most polarizing and controversial president in recent memory.
—Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
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Ali Bouzari, Bon Appétit, 13 Feb. 2025
The deal completely reset the market, just days before Marks had to make a decision on one of his more polarizing players.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
Three of President Donald Trump's most polarizing secretary nominees ‒ Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel ‒ face a grilling from lawmakers during a pivotal day of Senate confirmation hearings Thursday.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
SoHo wasn’t the first building to ditch Trump’s name and hotel management company after the billionaire became perhaps the most polarizing and controversial president in recent memory.
—Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarizing. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
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