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
Looking back, Apodaca says the most meaningful part of this experience wasn’t the fame but how the video brought people together during an incredibly divided time.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
While Republicans have ridden a wave of euphoria over the last year, the recent off-year elections suggest the American people may be preparing to return to divided government in Washington.
—Fred Fransen, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
And every single one of those characters and subplots speaks to Cameron’s many obsessions; this is a mirror world that always reflects back its creator’s own divided soul.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
However, Kast’s more radical proposals are likely to face pushback from a divided Congress.
—Reuters 31 Min Ago, CNN Money, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divided
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Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
While Republicans have ridden a wave of euphoria over the last year, the recent off-year elections suggest the American people may be preparing to return to divided government in Washington.
—Fred Fransen, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
And every single one of those characters and subplots speaks to Cameron’s many obsessions; this is a mirror world that always reflects back its creator’s own divided soul.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
However, Kast’s more radical proposals are likely to face pushback from a divided Congress.
—Reuters 31 Min Ago, CNN Money, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divided
Cite this Entry
“Divided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divided. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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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