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.
Rowling has become a divisive figure in recent years due to her comments made about transgender people. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 Adjustments in corporate policies yield different impacts across communities—prompting Black entrepreneurs to advocate for constructive dialogues over divisive actions. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025 Owen joined his father in the armed conflicts that made John Brown such a divisive figure in U.S. history. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025 This may seem like an impossible task in a world where politics is becoming more divisive, foreign policy more parochial, and social media bubbles more impenetrable. Harvey Whitehouse, WIRED, 23 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near divisive

Cite this Entry

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.

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