polarize

verb

ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce polarize (audio)
Definition of polarizenext
as in to divide
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups A hot button issue that is sure to polarize the public.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of polarize Even apart from the ruffled feathers in Brooklyn, bird decor can be polarizing. — Eleni N. Gage, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026 Bag designs were more polarized, with oversize silhouettes and revivals of heritage styles juxtaposed to fantasy minaudière designs, sculptural clutches and embellished mini bags displaying brands’ craftsmanship and doubling as objects of art. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Previously considered an undesirable byproduct, these structures have displayed unusual optical properties, including the ability to polarize, refract, and conduct light in distinctive ways. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026 The film suffered from polarizing critical reviews, notching a 53% on aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarize
  1. divide
  2. split
Verb
  • Several aircraft could divide surveillance tasks or combine their efforts to improve coverage in a particular sector.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Depending on your opinion of him (the fandom is divided), this one might not be your favorite.
    — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of divide
Verb
  • The students will have to avoid allowing political divisions that might split their movement.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Early hands-on reviews broadly agree that the FP2 leans toward filmmakers, even though Sigma pitches it as an even split between stills and video.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of split

Browse Nearby Words

polarizations
polarize
polarized
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Cite this Entry

“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarize. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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