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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What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive. Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 With a variety of options available, from classic mini chocolate bars like Reese's and Snickers to the divisive candy corn, there is something for everyone. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025 Fast forward ten years, and Vans has reimagined that same ethos through a skate lens, turning a once-divisive luxury statement into something both accessible and subversive. Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 Amending the Sports Broadcasting Act to allow conferences to pool media rights has become a divisive topic in college sports. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 10 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2025.

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