divisive

adjective

di·​vi·​sive də-ˈvī-siv 

also

-ˈvi- 

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

Whoever the next commissioner is needs to crack down on the divisive rhetoric. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

The luxury brand’s latest show at Paris Fashion Week included shoe styles with oversize bows, jewelry and unique silhouettes — plus fashion-forward takes on the divisive socks and sandals trend. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Farage, 62, often ​credited with forcing the 2016 referendum on whether Britain ​should stay in the European Union, has been one of the most influential, but also one of the most divisive, figures in British politics for more than a decade. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

As the data-center buildout grows more divisive, blasting that infrastructure into space and away from people’s backyards holds obvious appeal. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for divisive

• decisive
• incisive
• indecisive