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
The Gallup poll now departs for the same Valhalla as the big three broadcast networks, bowling leagues, and roast beef for Sunday dinner—institutions that were once almost universally accepted but did not survive in a more divided and mutually suspicious America.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Republicans were more divided on the issue.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2026
The footage shows members of the divided House Targaryen going into battle, with plenty of fiery dragon action.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
With inflation showing no sign of hitting 2% just yet, members of the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, who are already splintered down political lines, could grow more divided.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divided
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David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Republicans were more divided on the issue.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2026
The footage shows members of the divided House Targaryen going into battle, with plenty of fiery dragon action.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
With inflation showing no sign of hitting 2% just yet, members of the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, who are already splintered down political lines, could grow more divided.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 18 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 26 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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