Synonyms

divisiveness

American

[dih-vahy-siv-nis] / dɪˈvaɪ sɪv nɪs /

noun

a tendency to provoke dissension or discord.

He called for an end to the divisiveness among council members, imploring them to unite and work together for the betterment of the city.
Immigration bills are particularly difficult to pass because of the divisiveness of the issue.

Other Word Forms

nondivisiveness noun
semidivisiveness noun
undivisiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of divisiveness

divisive ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

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.

I don’t see Carol as representing arguing for anger and divisiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

“We need to put aside divisiveness and focus on the real issues facing us today.”

From Slate • Jan. 24, 2025

The divisiveness is pretty upsetting because I don't see the end of it.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2024

“It was the same old show: the divisiveness, and the disrespect,” Harris said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2024

They continued celebrating in a festive spirit and singing that the people united would never be defeated—even though each time they sang, it sounded more out of tune because divisiveness and hatred were inexorably growing.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023