Synonyms for

Divisive

Verb / dɪˈvaɪsɪv / Another word for divisive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people

Synonyms & similar words

factious dissentious contentious polarizing alienating discordant disruptive estranging inflammatory provocative separating splitting troublesome unsettling dividing antagonistic controversial contrary disagreeable factious schismatic unifying

Synonyms by register

Formal

discordant contentious segregating alienating

Informal

splitting polarizing argument-stirring

Literary

schismatic fractious

Antonyms

unifying harmonious cohesive agreeable united peaceful concordant

Common collocations

  • divisive issue
  • divisive tactics
  • divisive rhetoric
  • divisive policies
  • divisive figure
  • divisive nature
  • divisive times

Word family

noun division
verb divide
adverb divisively

Usage note

Often used to describe issues, statements, or actions that cause disagreement or hostility between people. It carries a negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The debate over the new school policy was very divisive.
  2. The politician's speech was so divisive that it caused riots.
  3. Social media can be a divisive platform where people argue and fight over their beliefs.
  4. The team's new strategy was divisive among the players.
  5. The divisive issue of gun control often sparks heated debates.

Quotes

  • Divisiveness is a weakness that plays into the hands of our enemies.
  • The most powerful force ever known on this planet is human cooperation - a force for construction and destruction.
  • The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words