divisive
adjective
di·vi·sive
də-ˈvī-siv 
also
-ˈvi-
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
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s government is pushing a divisive conscription bill that would entrench the existing exemption for ultra-Orthodox men from mandatory military service, when the Israeli army publicly acknowledges a shortfall of 15,000 soldiers during wartime.
—
Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Instead of teaching students how to write a coherent paragraph, solve basic equations, or understand American history, schools seem to be more focused on pulling students into organized activism on some of the most divisive political issues in the country.
—Courtney Corbello, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
In a time when public demonstrations can easily become tense or divisive, a large and peaceful civic gatherings are both noteworthy and newsworthy.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
The only thing some Costco shoppers aren’t fans of is the raisins—they’re a divisive carrot cake add-in.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026
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Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Instead of teaching students how to write a coherent paragraph, solve basic equations, or understand American history, schools seem to be more focused on pulling students into organized activism on some of the most divisive political issues in the country.
—Courtney Corbello, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
In a time when public demonstrations can easily become tense or divisive, a large and peaceful civic gatherings are both noteworthy and newsworthy.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
The only thing some Costco shoppers aren’t fans of is the raisins—they’re a divisive carrot cake add-in.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for divisive
Cite this Entry
“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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