polarizing

[poh-luh-rahy-zing] / ˈpoʊ ləˌraɪ zɪŋ /

VERB

divide

Synonyms

STRONGEST

part separate

STRONG

demarcate isolate partition sever

WEAK

abscind sequester split

Antonyms

STRONGEST

combine connect join repair

STRONG

merge mix unite

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Chris Ullman knows he’s a polarizing figure in entertainment.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Alongside the historic headliners, polarizing comebacks and surprise guests, one of the most buzzed-about discussions surrounding Coachella 2026 has been the unprecedented cost of attending the sold-out SoCal megafest this year.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

“There are contestants that become very polarizing and you’ll have people absolutely foaming at the mouth wanting them to lose,” says former champion Mattea Roach, speaking from experience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

I don’t like to call them polarizing, because they shouldn’t be.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

They wore shiny, textured gray-blue suits and wide ties and sported long sideburns and slightly too large brown- tinted polarizing glasses.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee