divisiveness

American  

[dih-vahy-siv-nis] / dɪˈvaɪ sɪv nɪs /

noun

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• nondivisiveness noun
• semidivisiveness noun
• undivisiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of divisiveness

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Judge says “King of the Hill” is “a calming presence in the midst of all the divisiveness. People often tell me they watch it before they go to sleep, and I’m totally good with that.”

From Los Angeles Times

He also reminded employees of the hospital’s expectation that staff “live our values and follow our policies, every day and in every interaction” despite the “divisiveness outside of our walls.”

From Salon

“We celebrate diversity and reject divisiveness. We celebrate immigrants and reject hate and we support our neighbors,” one post noted.

From Los Angeles Times

“Not least if we’re going to combat the growing inequality and divisiveness in the country.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• animosity
• antagonism
• argument
• bickering
• clash
• conflict
• controversy
• debate
• difference
• discord
• dissent
• disunity
• division
• feud
• fight
• friction
• hostility
• misunderstanding
• opposition
• spat