polarizing
adjective
po·lar·iz·ing
ˈpō-lə-ˌrī-ziŋ 
: causing polarization: such as
a
: causing electromagnetic radiation and especially light waves to vibrate in a definite pattern
a camera lens equipped with a polarizing filter [=a filter that controls the passage of polarized light in order to reduce reflections, glare, etc.]
sunglasses with polarizing lenses
b
: causing a physical object (such as a particle or crystal) to enter a state of polarization
… applying a polarizing electric field to ferroelectric crystals …—
David Ritchie
David Ritchie
c
: causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groups
a polarizing political issue
As polarizing a figure as there is in the league, he is deified in L.A. and often detested elsewhere, yet not even his detractors can deny his talent or accomplishments.—Chris Ballard
Chris BallardOur media's attention often spins around unnuanced, polarizing opinions and hasty, inflammatory statements.—Heather Lanier
Heather LanierExamples of polarizing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At the 2022 Met Gala, Kardashian's attire sparked one of the most polarizing controversies in the event's history.
—Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
Perhaps both the most polarizing and highly anticipated model in Ferrari’s history, the Purosangue debuted in 2022.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026
The trial is expected to provide riveting theater, with contrasting testimony from two of technology's most influential and polarizing figures: the 54-year-old Musk and the 41-year-old Altman.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
However, not everyone is sold — Ottawa ended up being one of the most polarizing teams in this exercise, receiving votes everywhere from Tier 2 to Tier 5.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2026
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Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
Perhaps both the most polarizing and highly anticipated model in Ferrari’s history, the Purosangue debuted in 2022.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026
The trial is expected to provide riveting theater, with contrasting testimony from two of technology's most influential and polarizing figures: the 54-year-old Musk and the 41-year-old Altman.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
However, not everyone is sold — Ottawa ended up being one of the most polarizing teams in this exercise, receiving votes everywhere from Tier 2 to Tier 5.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarizing. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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