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 groupings
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
Eraserhead Year: 1977 Runtime: 1h 29m Director: David Lynch
One of the most polarizing filmmakers of all time made an impact from his debut film, this surreal nightmare that was released in arthouses back in 1977 and was an instant hit in major cities.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Trump’s shifted plans on TikTok has created one of the earliest disagreements between the president and members of his party on a highly polarizing issue.
—Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Passionate fans of the late 1990s/early 2000s series Dawson's Creek may never stop debating some of the show's more polarizing storylines.
—Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
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Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Trump’s shifted plans on TikTok has created one of the earliest disagreements between the president and members of his party on a highly polarizing issue.
—Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Passionate fans of the late 1990s/early 2000s series Dawson's Creek may never stop debating some of the show's more polarizing storylines.
—Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarizing. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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