as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type
we shouldn't compartmentalize the students into such restrictive categories as scholar and athlete, which are not mutually exclusive
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Recent Examples of compartmentalize
This was a clear signal that Russia’s attempts to compartmentalize the Ukrainian war and to normalize ties in other areas had failed.
—
Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2025
With that, the trio of Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas come swaggering and smiling from the wings, strolling to the tip of a catwalk together, the professional differences that splintered their brotherly union for a spell neatly compartmentalized for 2 ½-hours of polished pop digested by adoring fans.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
The way to do it is to separate and compartmentalize.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
Use separate emails for different purposes One smart way to limit scam exposure is by compartmentalizing your digital life.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for compartmentalize
Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2025
With that, the trio of Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas come swaggering and smiling from the wings, strolling to the tip of a catwalk together, the professional differences that splintered their brotherly union for a spell neatly compartmentalized for 2 ½-hours of polished pop digested by adoring fans.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
The way to do it is to separate and compartmentalize.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
Use separate emails for different purposes One smart way to limit scam exposure is by compartmentalizing your digital life.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for compartmentalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compartmentalize
Verb
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At the time, that specimen was classified as Harpiola grisea, a related species.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
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The Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service and other federal law enforcement agencies also would participate in investigations, and Attorney General Pam Bondi is directed to submit a list of groups to classify as domestic terrorist organizations.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to the Tax Foundation, the Buckeye State now ranks eighth in the nation for property tax burden—ahead of expensive states like New York and California—while ranking 40th in median household income.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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In Spain, expats love the weather, culture and nightlife, and opportunities for recreational sports with each ranking first in their respective categories.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Once the club acquired Adam Frazier at the Major League Baseball trade deadline, India was relegated to more of a limited role.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
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Wilson started his latest chapter with the New York Giants this season, but he was relegated to a backup role after just three games.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Observers can distinguish birds from other signals by timing and speed.—
Brandi D. Addison,
The Providence Journal,
29 Sep. 2025
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The Loft distinguishes itself with a private spa, comprising a splash pool, sauna, and steam room.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The game could be categorized as a slugfest that showed both teams matching punch for punch, with Bishop Feehan (3-1) turning on the gas late and pulling away for the victory.—
Erik Anderson,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
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The Chiefs have faced the second-most light boxes in the NFL this season — categorized as situations when six or fewer defenders are lined up in the area of the field best equipped to defend the run, rather than the pass.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Compartmentalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compartmentalize. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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