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
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From the Italian bob to a divisive throwback style, here are the short hair trends celebs are making the chop for this season Call your hair stylist — 'tis the season for a chop. Karli Bendlin, People.com, 29 May 2025 Over a dozen decided to vie for the four open seats on the board, seemingly prompted by controversy over what has become the No. 1 divisive issue in Idaho: LGBTQ+ Pride flags. Sarah A. Miller, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2025 And some people, including Trump, saw them as divisive. Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 Even with divisive reviews, don’t count this one out. Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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