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.

Sweeney told People Magazine earlier this month she was "against hate and divisiveness" and had been surprised by reaction to the campaign.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

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

The divisiveness among scientific disciplines, especially between the basic sciences and the applied science of medicine, was then fostered deliberately by medical schools.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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