divisive

adjective

di·​vi·​sive də-ˈvī-siv How to pronounce divisive (audio)
also
-ˈvi- How to pronounce divisive (audio)
 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 Days before Bolsonaro left the presidential palace in 2022, defeated by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a historically divisive election, police say, false information was entered into a health ministry ledger to issue fake vaccine cards for Bolsonaro and his daughter, Laura. Marina Dias, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 The divisive series finale concluded with protagonist Sookie Stackhouse saying goodbye to her on-again, off-again vampire beau Bill Compton, while her other undead romantic interest Eric Northman became the face of a successful new blood product. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2024 Federal authorities have added UC Berkeley to the growing list of colleges across the United States under investigation for alleged discrimination since the onset of the divisive Israel-Hamas war. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 So his success with what was once such a divisive bill is a win for Jeter, who carried a similar bill in 2023, which died in the Senate. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Mar. 2024 This won’t be the first year Hollywood’s biggest night takes place amid a divisive war. Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024 On Monday, Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger delivered the Reuters Memorial Lecture at Oxford University, with a focus on the importance of independent journalism in a divisive age. David Folkenflik, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024 Other community members, including Miki, Vice Mayor Robin Lopez and Councilmember Aaron Tiedemann, argued the divisive issue has become localized. Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 Donkey, Shrek franchise (2001–present) Sidekick to: Shrek Donkey has more than his share of divisive qualities. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'divisive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of divisive was in 1642

Dictionary Entries Near divisive

Cite this Entry

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on divisive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!