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
An affable dad who avoids divisive topics like politics and religion in favor of gentler, autobiographical material that tends to cast him as a well-meaning fool, the Tennessee native is also the rare comic capable of appealing to, or at least not actively alienating, a broad swathe of viewers.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
Kirk was a controversial figure who was lambasted by his critics for his rhetoric, which some saw as being racist and divisive.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2025
The most politically divisive, intractable issues affect our sense of self and our sense of agency.
—Sarah Stein Lubrano, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Tomco, who interviewed Kirk just weeks before his death, described the conservative activist as a social media force who thrived on direct engagement with college students over divisive political issues.
—Amanda Castro
joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divisive
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Judy Berman, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
Kirk was a controversial figure who was lambasted by his critics for his rhetoric, which some saw as being racist and divisive.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2025
The most politically divisive, intractable issues affect our sense of self and our sense of agency.
—Sarah Stein Lubrano, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Tomco, who interviewed Kirk just weeks before his death, described the conservative activist as a social media force who thrived on direct engagement with college students over divisive political issues.
—Amanda Castro
joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for divisive
Cite this Entry
“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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