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

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

It remains a story of understanding and togetherness despite social power structures that depend on fear and divisiveness.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

“And I think a lot of people are very tired of the divisiveness and the bitterness and he's, he's anything but that.”

From BBC • Sep. 28, 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