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
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.
Infantino is seeking re-election next year as the head of soccer’s world governing body in the face of attempts to force him to stand down in the wake of the divisive plan. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Homeland tree removal Tree-cutting at a course with about 3,800 trees has become a highly divisive topic in the litigation. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026 But the most immediate, and potentially divisive, difference could be over Iran. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026 Hilton said that those are not ideological or divisive, but rather partisan ideas. — Max Darrow, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for divisive

See All Rhymes for divisive

Browse Nearby Words

division wall
divisive
divisor
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Cite this Entry

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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