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 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 Jaguar hit the reset button that year, rolling out a new logo and polarizing branding that highlighted its upcoming all-electric vehicle lineup. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarize
  1. divide
  2. split
Verb
  • In the case of Yemen, the ground fighters inside the country who are taking on the Houthis are deeply divided and fought each other as recently as January.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Forty years ago, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met at Höfði House, representing rival nuclear superpowers divided by decades of distrust.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of divide
Verb
  • The interface splits each 2-core fiber into two single-core fibers inside the repeater for efficient amplification, then merges them back into 2-core fibers.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Wanda, a donkey, and Max, a horse, split their time between a farm upstate and a stable in the Bronx.
    — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 19 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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