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

6

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 In recent months, Zuckerberg’s is focused on the Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL), a division advancing artificial superintelligence. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025 The Bills will host the New England Patriots in a division rivalry game that could impact future playoff seeding if both Josh Allen and Drake Maye have strong seasons. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025 This caused division within the group, as the women were upset with Nicolle for taking up all of the Golden Bachelor's, time. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025 The company is looking at purple sweet potatoes and various types of carrots to color drinks like Mountain Dew and Cherry 7Up, according to Damien Browne, the vice president of research and development for PepsiCo’s beverage division based in Valhalla, New York. Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for division
Recent Examples of Synonyms for division
Noun
  • It’s designed with interior pockets and a divider to keep belongings tidy, while its sturdy frame stands up to the wear and tear of airports.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Criusia 12-Pack Clothes Drawer Organizer Organize your wardrobe drawers once and for all with this handy drawer divider that can hold everything—socks, underwear, bras, t-shirts, camisoles, accessories, scarves, belts, and more.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 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
  • Physics was the first category mentioned in Nobel's will, likely reflecting the prominence of the field during his time.
    USA Today, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Trump has vowed for weeks to clean up crime in Chicago, though the city has experienced a decline in most major crime categories this year, according to WBEZ.
    Obed Manuel, NPR, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The sack split by Nwosu and Bell forced the only punt of the second half and set up what should have been the game-winning touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to Tory Horton.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • However, when he was asked to be on the sitcom, emotions from the split were still fresh.
    Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And while that’s all well and good, Versant’s mechanism of distribution would seem to undermine the broad steps forward the WNBA has made on the audience acquisition front.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • From the time it was created, OnePay’s big advantage was in its distribution channel.
    Hugh Son, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Disboard lists many public discord servers and many young coders use the site, contributing a different demographic of coders.
    Stephen Cass, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2025
  • But warning signs of discord between networks and affiliates had been flashing for years.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Younger testers appreciated the creative putt-and-play system, from bouncing the marble off rocks to spiraling it into fences and bridges.
    Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Forest Lodge is currently being renovated according to William and Kate’s specifications, with new shrubs being planted around the house and a metal fence with black mesh privacy screens being placed around the front to ensure privacy.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Gaza is decimated In Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says more than 66,000 people have been killed − about half of them women and children − and humanitarian agencies now warn of famine.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The Jays in recent years missed out on several big names in free agency — Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Division.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/division. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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