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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But one of the downfalls certainly has been how divisive some of the language is. —

Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024 But has this evolution ushered in a new era of e-commerce aimed at selling products centered around divisive topics? —

Rytis Lauris, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Reviews were largely negative, and Phillips' decision to make the movie a musical featuring mostly pre-existing songs was divisive. —

Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 Whitaker had been considered a potential pick for attorney general, a position Trump instead gave to Matt Gaetz, a fierce loyalist who has been seen as divisive even within his own party. —

Jill Colvin, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for divisive

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of divisive was in 1642

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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