POLARIZED Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

polarized

verb

past tense of polarize

as in divided

to cause (people) to break up into opposing groups A hot button issue that is sure to polarize the public.

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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.

Recent Examples of polarized Trump’s announcement Friday sent shock waves through agricultural groups in the Midwestern states and polarized some of his most consistent allies. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 Those kinds of sporting ideals might ease the tribalism that, according to Pew Research Center data, has left many Republicans and Democrats feeling polarized and angry about modern politics. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 However, as Britain polarized politically around issues such as Brexit and Israel-Hamas War, Lineker often found himself at the center of heated debates as right-wing news outlets dubbed him as liberal left-winger. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 As a steady stream of regulars and tourists ordered coffee and breakfast burritos, Lively said the reactor has polarized locals. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 This experiment was different since sunlight is highly polarized but incoherent in space and time. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 The dispute has long polarized the African Union, deeply dividing member states between Moroccan allies and backers of the pro-independence Sahrawi Republic. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Domestically, Brexit has deeply polarized the British electorate into new identities – leavers and remainers – who are less loyal to existing political parties. — Garret Martin, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 Proposing federal-policy solutions to this crisis may seem quixotic when Washington is so dysfunctional and polarized. — Keith Humphreys, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polarized

divided

Verb

While the class was divided between protectionists and free-traders, the teacher gave no indication of his own views, and the textbook presented objective facts along with arguments from both sides.

— Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 Sep. 2026
The jury, says Rahmani, may be divided on her insanity defense.

— Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of divided

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polarize

polarized

polarizes

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“Polarized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polarized. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of polarized

verb

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