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
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First, some good news: In an otherwise polarizing and divisive election, there’s at least one policy proposal that’s emerging as a unifying issue.
—Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 21 May 2025
The election is a test for some of the most polarizing policies from the conservative City Council, including its push to create a review board over children’s books.
—Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 20 May 2025
Most of that intrigue, of course, centered around the most polarizing prospect in this year's draft class ...
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
One of the more polarizing first-round prospects due to Stewart’s lack of production with the Aggies, here’s what else to know about the Florida native.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2025
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Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 21 May 2025
The election is a test for some of the most polarizing policies from the conservative City Council, including its push to create a review board over children’s books.
—Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 20 May 2025
Most of that intrigue, of course, centered around the most polarizing prospect in this year's draft class ...
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
One of the more polarizing first-round prospects due to Stewart’s lack of production with the Aggies, here’s what else to know about the Florida native.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 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 2 Jun. 2025.
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