polarizing
adjective
po·lar·iz·ing
ˈpō-lə-ˌrī-ziŋ 
: causing polarization: such as
a
: causing electromagnetic radiation and especially light waves to vibrate in a definite pattern
a camera lens equipped with a polarizing filter [= a filter that controls the passage of polarized light in order to reduce reflections, glare, etc.]
sunglasses with polarizing lenses
b
: causing a physical object (such as a particle or crystal) to enter a state of polarization
… applying a polarizing electric field to ferroelectric crystals …—
David Ritchie
David Ritchie
c
: causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings
a polarizing political issue
As polarizing a figure as there is in the league, he is deified in L.A. and often detested elsewhere, yet not even his detractors can deny his talent or accomplishments.—Chris Ballard
Chris BallardOur media's attention often spins around unnuanced, polarizing opinions and hasty, inflammatory statements.—Heather Lanier
Heather LanierExamples of polarizing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Among the franchise newcomers was Denise Richards, who appeared as nuclear physicist Christmas Jones, who would go on to become one of the most polarizing Bond Girls.
—Stacy Lambe, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
One of the most polarizing constituents is The Murder Sheet, a podcast by a husband-and-wife team who originally met and bonded over true crime.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024
Organizers say holding the convention just two days before a very polarizing election is on purpose to show the group’s commitment to making democracy works regardless of how the election turns out.
—Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024
Republican Ted Cruz is seeking his third term against Democrat Colin Allred, a member of Congress from Dallas who is foregoing a reelection effort to challenge the highly polarizing incumbent.
—USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
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Stacy Lambe, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
One of the most polarizing constituents is The Murder Sheet, a podcast by a husband-and-wife team who originally met and bonded over true crime.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024
Organizers say holding the convention just two days before a very polarizing election is on purpose to show the group’s commitment to making democracy works regardless of how the election turns out.
—Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024
Republican Ted Cruz is seeking his third term against Democrat Colin Allred, a member of Congress from Dallas who is foregoing a reelection effort to challenge the highly polarizing incumbent.
—USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polarizing
Dictionary Entries Near polarizing
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarizing. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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