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- Merriam-Webster declares “polarization” as 2024’s Word of the Year
- Selection reflects deepening social and political divisions in America
- Choice amplified by contentious 2024 presidential election cycle
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
Merriam-Webster’s selection reflects a year marked by extreme political division, social fragmentation, and cultural rifts. The word captures how Americans increasingly gravitate toward opposite extremes rather than finding middle ground.
Core Players
- Merriam-Webster – America’s leading dictionary publisher
- Peter Sokolowski – Editor at large, Merriam-Webster
- American electorate – Increasingly divided voting population
Key Numbers
- 100M+ monthly pageviews on Merriam-Webster’s website
- 45.9-point increase in negative partisan feelings (1978-2016)
- 80% of voters see opposing candidates as existential threats
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The Catalyst
“Polarization means division, but it’s a very specific kind of division,” explains Sokolowski. The 2024 presidential election amplified this phenomenon, driving unprecedented interest in understanding the term.
Inside Forces
Social media algorithms and partisan news consumption reinforce existing beliefs, creating echo chambers that deepen divisions.
Cultural wedge issues increasingly sort Americans into opposing camps with little middle ground.
Power Dynamics
Political leaders leverage polarization for electoral advantage, while media outlets benefit from heightened partisan tensions.
Traditional moderating institutions struggle to bridge growing ideological divides.
Outside Impact
Polarization affects personal relationships, with Americans increasingly limiting contact across political lines.
Business decisions, from corporate policies to consumer choices, now reflect deepening ideological divisions.
Future Forces
Key trends shaping future polarization:
- AI and social media evolution
- Demographic and cultural shifts
- Changes in news consumption patterns
- Electoral system reforms
Data Points
- 1828: Merriam-Webster’s first dictionary publication
- 2024: First selection of “polarization” as Word of the Year
- 45.9%: Increase in partisan antipathy since 1978
- 80%: Voters viewing opposition as fundamental threat
As America grapples with historic levels of polarization, the selection of this Word of the Year reflects deeper concerns about the nation’s social fabric and democratic future.
