divided
adjective
di·vid·ed
də-ˈvī-dəd 
1
a
: separated into parts or pieces
b
of a leaf
: cut into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib
c
: having a barrier (such as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions
a divided highway
2
a
: disagreeing with each other : disunited
b
: directed or moved toward conflicting interests, states, or objects
divided loyalties
3
: separated by distance
… familiar objects from which she had never dreamed of being divided.—
James Joyce
James JoyceExamples of divided in a Sentence
Experts are sharply divided on the issue.
The issue has created a deeply divided nation.
She feels like she only gets her mother's divided attention.
Recent Examples on the Web
Avoid jumbled messes by opting for divided organizers or smaller containers when trying to corral tiny items.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2026
Twin Cities history holds many lessons for civic culture-building in a divided time, when many feel powerless and hopeless.
—Harry Boyte, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Ultimately, a divided committee mostly went along with Grow and Tanner and voted 14-6 to approve 4% total budget cuts in fiscal year 2026, which ends in June, and 13-7 to approve 5% total cuts in fiscal year 2027.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
At the same time, maintaining relations with the turbulent, divided government will be her responsibility as well.
—Yamlek Mojica Loaisiga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divided
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Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2026
Twin Cities history holds many lessons for civic culture-building in a divided time, when many feel powerless and hopeless.
—Harry Boyte, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Ultimately, a divided committee mostly went along with Grow and Tanner and voted 14-6 to approve 4% total budget cuts in fiscal year 2026, which ends in June, and 13-7 to approve 5% total cuts in fiscal year 2027.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
At the same time, maintaining relations with the turbulent, divided government will be her responsibility as well.
—Yamlek Mojica Loaisiga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divided
Cite this Entry
“Divided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divided. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
divided
adjective
di·vid·ed
1
a
: separated into parts, classes, or portions
divided coverage
divided custody
b
in the civil law of Louisiana
: separately owned, possessed, or held : no longer held in indivision
owner of a divided part or of the entire estate following partition—Louisiana Civil Code
Louisiana Civil Codegranted in divided portions
2
: not united : failing to agree
a divided Court
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