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
On arguably the most polarizing domestic-policy issue of the day—the state of higher education—his approach was understated, process-oriented, and effective.
—Andy Smarick, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026
Maury Povich spent decades at the center of one of daytime television’s most polarizing phenomena, presiding over paternity tests, lie detector results and the kind of raw confrontations that defined the height of ’90s talk TV.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
In the next few weeks, the 16-story Crosley Tower – one of the city’s most polarizing buildings – will be razed floor by floor on the University of Cincinnati’s campus.
—Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026
One thing is becoming clear for leaders in these volatile and polarizing times: there’s strength in numbers.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2026
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Andy Smarick, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026
Maury Povich spent decades at the center of one of daytime television’s most polarizing phenomena, presiding over paternity tests, lie detector results and the kind of raw confrontations that defined the height of ’90s talk TV.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
In the next few weeks, the 16-story Crosley Tower – one of the city’s most polarizing buildings – will be razed floor by floor on the University of Cincinnati’s campus.
—Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026
One thing is becoming clear for leaders in these volatile and polarizing times: there’s strength in numbers.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 Jan. 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 14 Feb. 2026.
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