as in to divide
to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups
A hot button issue that is sure to polarize the public.
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Recent Examples of polarize
Doing a light joke after announcing a heavy premise is always smart, but Che’s brother reference also defuses some objections that might get in the audience’s way of enjoying a bit on a polarizing political issue.
—
John Roy, Vulture, 3 July 2025
Despite having a new governor who supports a tough-on-hospitals approach, proposals that resemble price caps on health systems remain polarizing within the Republican supermajority.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
In recent years, Nashville has become increasingly polarized as the insulated industry reckons with its own handling of racial issues that have affected the careers of multiple artists including Morgan Wallen, Maren Morris, Beyoncé and Jason Aldean.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The durian, a spiky fruit that grows across Southeast Asia, has a polarizing reputation for its pungent odor and strong taste.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarize
John Roy, Vulture, 3 July 2025
Despite having a new governor who supports a tough-on-hospitals approach, proposals that resemble price caps on health systems remain polarizing within the Republican supermajority.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
In recent years, Nashville has become increasingly polarized as the insulated industry reckons with its own handling of racial issues that have affected the careers of multiple artists including Morgan Wallen, Maren Morris, Beyoncé and Jason Aldean.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The durian, a spiky fruit that grows across Southeast Asia, has a polarizing reputation for its pungent odor and strong taste.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarize
Verb
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Know the Signs Cucumbers are typically divided into two main categories: slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 July 2025
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Debate at meeting During the board meeting Thursday night, the room was divided between supporters of Mayer, advocates for the students who came forward, and former students who were against Mayer’s employment from being reinstated.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The experts split into teams representing the U.S. and China, and each side was armed with the weapons that its country is thought to possess.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
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If their parents died, the sisters would split their inheritance.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarize. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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