polarization
noun
po·lar·i·za·tion
ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən 
plural polarizations
1
: division into two sharply distinct opposites
especially
: a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes
political polarization
… the relationship between partisan polarization and legislative gridlock is direct, with stalemate more frequent as the political center shrinks. —
Sarah A. Binder
Sarah A. Binder The drift in our society now is not toward a grouping around the middle, but toward polarization. —Richard Todd
Richard Todd … the venue where our most fractious … arguments over identity occur: the internet. These arguments do not play out on a democratized playing field where all identities are weighted equally; rather, they play out in a meticulously crafted environment where identities are microtargeted and polarization is amplified by algorithms. —Emma Levy
Emma Levy 2
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: such as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell often caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes
c
Examples of polarization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
McGann Jantzen’s sentiment comes as more than 40% of officials from communities with more than 50,000 people report being affected by polarization, according to a 2024 study by the Carnegie Foundation of New York and Civic Pulse.
—
Corey Schmidt
july 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 July 2026
Signs of division show through Yet, for some Americans, the anniversary served only as a reminder of the country’s deep political polarization.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
5 July 2026
Their answers reflect a nuanced view of this country at a time of partisan polarization and widespread discontent.
—
Tamara Keith,
NPR,
4 July 2026
The 250th anniversary of American independence is colliding with a country gripped by political polarization and a heat wave bearing down on millions of people across multiple states as celebrations get underway across the United States on Saturday.
—
Steven Sloan,
Chicago Tribune,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarization
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Corey Schmidt
july 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 July 2026
Signs of division show through Yet, for some Americans, the anniversary served only as a reminder of the country’s deep political polarization.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
5 July 2026
Their answers reflect a nuanced view of this country at a time of partisan polarization and widespread discontent.
—
Tamara Keith,
NPR,
4 July 2026
The 250th anniversary of American independence is colliding with a country gripped by political polarization and a heat wave bearing down on millions of people across multiple states as celebrations get underway across the United States on Saturday.
—
Steven Sloan,
Chicago Tribune,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarization
Cite this Entry
“Polarization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarization. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polarization
noun
po·lar·iza·tion
variants
also British polarisation
: the action of polarizing or state of being or becoming polarized: as
a(1)
: the action or process of affecting radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave assume a definite form
(2)
: the state of radiation affected by this process
b
: an increase in the resistance of an electrolytic cell caused by the deposition of gas on one or both electrodes
c
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