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
At a fundamental level, the most polarizing preservatives—those with microbe-stopping power—preserve food by disabling the microbial machinery that bacteria, yeast, and molds use to grow.
—Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Lipa also forwent rubber flip-flops for a more avant-garde shoe—a pair of Maison Margiela Tabi ballet flats, one of the most polarizing silhouettes in the designer footwear world, thanks to that saucy split-toe detail.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
The Tennessee Titans won’t be making the most polarizing uniform choice in the NFL — wearing Houston Oilers throwbacks — during the 2025 season.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The return-to-office (RTO) vs. work-from-home (WFH) debate has become one of the most polarizing workplace discussions in recent years.
—Esmt Berlin, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
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Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Lipa also forwent rubber flip-flops for a more avant-garde shoe—a pair of Maison Margiela Tabi ballet flats, one of the most polarizing silhouettes in the designer footwear world, thanks to that saucy split-toe detail.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
The Tennessee Titans won’t be making the most polarizing uniform choice in the NFL — wearing Houston Oilers throwbacks — during the 2025 season.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The return-to-office (RTO) vs. work-from-home (WFH) debate has become one of the most polarizing workplace discussions in recent years.
—Esmt Berlin, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
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 Apr. 2025.
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