1
a
: at a little distance
tried to keep apart from the family squabbles
b
: away from one another in space or time
towns 20 miles apart
2
a
: as a separate unit : independently
Viewed apart, his arguments were unsound.
b
: so as to separate one from another
I found it hard to tell the twins apart.
3
: excluded from consideration : aside
A few blemishes apart, the novel is excellent.
4
: in or into two or more parts : to pieces
coming apart at the seams
see also take apart
Examples of apart in a Sentence
Adverb
He stood with his feet planted far apart.
He stood apart while the other members of the team celebrated.
Their children were born two years apart.
My wife and I are unhappy when we're apart.
They separated and have been living apart for the past year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Saveur Editors, Saveur, 19 Dec. 2025
Methuen and Salem are miles apart on either side of the state line.
—Phil Helsel, NBC news, 19 Dec. 2025
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
During the past few weeks, parents pleaded with trustees not to close Bransford Elementary in Colleyville and Dove Elementary in Grapevine stating that losing the schools would break apart neighborhoods and lead to a district that is no longer thriving.
—Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apart
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show current usage.
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Adverb
Using a 1-ounce scoop or medium spoon, portion 2 tablespoon-size scoops of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 19 Dec. 2025
Methuen and Salem are miles apart on either side of the state line.
—Phil Helsel, NBC news, 19 Dec. 2025
Adjective
In recent years, my sisters and I will take turns trying a new appetizer like Buffalo chicken dip or a pull-apart cheese bread.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
During the past few weeks, parents pleaded with trustees not to close Bransford Elementary in Colleyville and Dove Elementary in Grapevine stating that losing the schools would break apart neighborhoods and lead to a district that is no longer thriving.
—Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apart
Cite this Entry
“Apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apart. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apart
1 of 2 adverb1
: away from each other
five miles apart
2
: as something separate
viewed apart from the other
3
: in or into two or more parts
took the clock apart
4
: one from another
can't tell the twins apart
apart
2 of 2 adjective
: separate from others
in a place apart
apartness
noun
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