part 1 of 3

part

2 of 3

adverb

part

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to separate
to go or move in different directions from a central point after traveling together for three weeks, we parted at Rome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word part distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of part are division, fragment, member, piece, portion, section, and segment. While all these words mean "something less than the whole," part is a general term appropriate when indefiniteness is required.

they ran only part of the way

In what contexts can division take the place of part?

The meanings of division and part largely overlap; however, division applies to a large or diversified part.

the manufacturing division of the company

When might fragment be a better fit than part?

The words fragment and part are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragment applies to a part produced by or as if by breaking off.

only a fragment of the play still exists

When could member be used to replace part?

While in some cases nearly identical to part, member suggests one of the functional units composing a body.

a structural member

When would piece be a good substitute for part?

Although the words piece and part have much in common, piece applies to a separate or detached part of a whole.

a puzzle with 500 pieces

Where would portion be a reasonable alternative to part?

The synonyms portion and part are sometimes interchangeable, but portion implies an assigned or allotted part.

cut the pie into six portions

When is section a more appropriate choice than part?

While the synonyms section and part are close in meaning, section applies to a relatively small or uniform part.

the entertainment section of the newspaper

When is it sensible to use segment instead of part?

In some situations, the words segment and part are roughly equivalent. However, 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 part
Noun
The bigger picture is this: Moderna is part of a growing movement toward enterprise models that favor systems thinking over functional optimization. John Winsor, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Fukada says that was deliberate, part of an aspiration to reach the mainstream Japanese audience with his critique. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
Adverb
François Girard’s take — part mysterious, part mystifying — on Wagner’s last opera is one of the Met’s most interesting productions of the last decade or so, and returns for the first time since its premiere in 2013. David Allen, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2018
Verb
Hairstylist Marissa Marino, who often works with Gomez, parted the star's hair in the center and styled it as straight and sleek as possible, probably with a very hot flat iron. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 May 2025 Veronika is more reserved, on the surface seems less emotionally volatile, and is standing with her legs parted — a good fighting stance. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for part
Recent Examples of Synonyms for part
Noun
  • Whey protein is the liquid portion of milk that separates from the curd during cheesemaking.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 20 May 2025
  • Most of his bladder had been removed due to a rare cancer, leaving a portion too small to function.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • This article has been updated to better reflect the record price of the company’s shares.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower was not a political angel and made his share of mistakes, like all who engage in politics.
    George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Now, Lee has taken on a new role as an ambassador for the American Kidney Fund, using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for others facing similar health challenges.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • Longevity in past roles can be a strong indicator of someone's ability to adapt and grow within your organization.
    Michael DeCesare, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Super Nintendo World is home to two smaller lands, Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • These sightings offer hope that this snake may return to lands it was once pushed out of.
    Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
Adverb
  • Leon Draisaitl is in the top five in playoff scoring this spring and halfway to his 32-point output during his electric 2021-22 playoffs, while tied for the team lead in goals scored (five) with 40-year-old Corey Perry.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Wilson was halfway to a double-double entering the second half and ended with 22 points and 10 rebounds plus four assists, three steals and two blocks.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Cosmos 482 separated into four pieces, two of which remained in Earth's low orbit and decayed within 48 hours, and the other two pieces went into a higher orbit.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in the fridge, and separate the meat from the bones for easier reheating.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • If the execution moves forward this time, Smith will be the first inmate executed in Tennessee since 2020 and the 19th in the U.S. this year.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • This can block food and stool moving through the intestine, causing constipation.
    Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • On our trip to Greenville, Victor stopped at a road that divides two burial grounds in town.
    Erika Hayasaki, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • What's Next Breastfeeding often divides public opinion, and will likely spark similar debates online in the future.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Part.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/part. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on part

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!