1
as in divider
something that divides, separates, or marks off we poked our heads over the division between the yards to see what the fuss was about

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in department
a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization the complaints division handled all of the calls from the angry townsfolk

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5
as in distribution
the act or process of giving out something to each member of a group the person in charge of the division of the profits among the business partners

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word division distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of division are fragment, member, part, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When would fragment be a good substitute for division?

While in some cases nearly identical to division, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When can member be used instead of division?

While the synonyms member and division are close in meaning, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

Where would part be a reasonable alternative to division?

The words part and division can be used in similar contexts, but part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can piece take the place of division?

In some situations, the words piece and division are roughly equivalent. However, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

When is portion a more appropriate choice than division?

Although the words portion and division have much in common, portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When could section be used to replace division?

The synonyms section and division are sometimes interchangeable, but section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of division?

The words segment and division are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, segment applies to a part separated or marked out by or as if by natural lines of cleavage.

the retired segment of the population

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of division Figure faces stiff competition from Tesla’s Optimus division and China’s Unitree, among many others. Billy Perrigo, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 Public testimony reflected sharp divisions between residents and organized labor. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025 Brodsky grew up in Glen View, IL and graduated from Holy Cross in 1978 with job offers from the Wall Street Journal and United Media, a division of Scripps Howard. Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 Although now majority owned by Frasers Group, The Webster will continue to operate as a stand-alone business within Frasers Group’s Flannels luxury division, according to the retailer. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for division
Recent Examples of Synonyms for division
Noun
  • The Swedish chemist, engineer and inventor Alfred Nobel liked a uniter, not a divider, even though his own experiments were aimed at blowing things up.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Inside, there are two zippered divider panels, with ample pockets to keep track of your delicates and accessories.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As tax dollars are reallocated from public school districts and families abandon those schools to learn at home or in private settings, the new department officials see little need for oversight.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The Williams Education Fund, which is the athletic department’s revenue generating arm, was named after Sean and Todd’s father, uncle and grandfather.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Cornejo secured a nomination for best contemporary Mexican music album, and DannyLux earned a nomination in the same category.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Fares vary based on numerous factors, from cruise line type to cabin category – and sailing date.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Despite their split, both parents have continued to be supportive of their sons.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The gamble backfired and his centrist bloc lost seats to both extremes, leaving France with a three-way split parliament and a government that could not pass major legislation.
    Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Ascendant Fox and Turbine Studios produce with financing handled by AGC Television, the television production and distribution arm of Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Industrial warehouses once built with low ceilings and narrow bays now constrain e-commerce distribution, where robotics and scale define efficiency.
    Amachie Ackah, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Trustees ‘feel their powers have been reduced’ At the center of the current discord, according to a source, is the fact that Tata Sons is supposed to receive prior approval from Tata Trusts for any major financial investments.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
  • To what was such a spasmodic discord owed?
    Julio Cortázar, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rip is a beloved figure in his village, quick to help a neighbor build a fence or teach a child to fly a kite.
    John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Guard members have also been tasked with beautification efforts, like collecting trash, spreading mulch and painting fences.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Political parties, media brands, and government agencies turn out to be just a collection of individuals vulnerable to pressure and attack.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The agency attributed the quote to an unnamed spokesperson and did not respond to a request for clarification.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Division.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/division. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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