divided

adjective

di·​vid·​ed də-ˈvī-dəd How to pronounce divided (audio)
Synonyms of dividednext
1
a
: separated into parts or pieces
b
of a leaf : cut into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib
c
: having a barrier (such as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions
a divided highway
2
a
: disagreeing with each other : disunited
b
: directed or moved toward conflicting interests, states, or objects
divided loyalties
3
: separated by distance
familiar objects from which she had never dreamed of being divided— James Joyce
dividedly
də-ˈvī-dəd-lē How to pronounce divided (audio)
adverb
dividedness
də-ˈvī-dəd-nəs How to pronounce divided (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of divided in a Sentence

Experts are sharply divided on the issue. The issue has created a deeply divided nation. She feels like she only gets her mother's divided attention.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their conflicting votes highlight the difficult balancing act for Democrats in battleground states, where political calculations often involve not just party loyalty, but also the concerns of a divided electorate. — Nik Popli, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025 Governments are less divided in towns and cities with robust local journalism. — Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025 Longest speech becomes rhetorical brawl The speech quickly became a reflection of a divided nation, with Trump haranguing the liberal opposition in Congress and multiple Democrats launching protests throughout. — James Powel, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 The extraordinary pivot has upended decades of hawkish foreign policy toward Russia that provided a rare area of bipartisan consensus in an increasingly divided nation. — Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divided

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of divided was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing divided

Rhymes for divided

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divided
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Cite this Entry

“Divided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divided. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

divided

adjective
1
a
: separated into parts or pieces
b
: having a barrier (as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions
a divided highway
2
: disagreeing with each other
divided over the issue

Legal Definition

divided

adjective
di·​vid·​ed
1
a
: separated into parts, classes, or portions
divided coverage
divided custody
b
in the civil law of Louisiana : separately owned, possessed, or held : no longer held in indivision
owner of a divided part or of the entire estate following partition— Louisiana Civil Code
granted in divided portions
2
: not united : failing to agree
a divided Court

More from Merriam-Webster on divided

Nglish: Translation of divided for Spanish Speakers

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