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
The prospect of a quick peace agreement in Ukraine has become one of the most polarizing issues since Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States.
—Iuliia Mendel, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
But the paltry Oscar showing thus far is likely also because, as a streaming-first studio that remains fairly hostile to cinematic releases, Netflix has a more polarizing status in Hollywood than most of its peers.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
Yet even with that comfortable victory and his party in full, albeit narrow, control of Congress, the incoming president remains one of the most polarizing figures in U.S. history, with nearly as many fierce detractors as ardent supporters.
—Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Their answers reflected a broader shift in the public perception of Notre Dame, which has been known as one of the most polarizing programs in the sport for much of its history.
—Austin Meek, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for polarizing 
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.
Iuliia Mendel, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
But the paltry Oscar showing thus far is likely also because, as a streaming-first studio that remains fairly hostile to cinematic releases, Netflix has a more polarizing status in Hollywood than most of its peers.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
Yet even with that comfortable victory and his party in full, albeit narrow, control of Congress, the incoming president remains one of the most polarizing figures in U.S. history, with nearly as many fierce detractors as ardent supporters.
—Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Their answers reflected a broader shift in the public perception of Notre Dame, which has been known as one of the most polarizing programs in the sport for much of its history.
—Austin Meek, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
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 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share