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.
Flávio Bolsonaro has painted himself as a more moderate version of his divisive father. — Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Oct. 2026 Because the right is viewed as divisive by liberal corporations, and the left is viewed as empathetic common sense. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Owned by Nord Stream AG, whose majority shareholder is the Russian gas firm Gazprom, the pipelines were divisive even before the start of the Ukraine war, mainly due to concerns over European reliance on cheap Russian hydrocarbons. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Infantino will on Thursday chair the first session of the 37-member FIFA Council since his secretive and divisive World Cup sell-off plan was revealed — and dropped within days — 11 weeks ago. — ABC News, 14 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Divisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divisive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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